In a back-and-forth affair between the Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers, a victory was clawed away from the Silver and Black in the closing seconds as they came up short, 22-19.
While there are no moral victories in football, there was noticeable progress made in the second preseason outing compared to their game against the Seattle Seahawks and even their joint practice with the 49ers last Thursday.
"First off, I thought this was a really good, hard-fought game from start to finish," Pete Carroll said postgame. "We had some things that we needed to correct from the practice that we had, and we did. Played the running game much more with impact than we did in practice. The adjustments the coaches made worked out well, players were able to adapt in just a couple days time. Against a really formidable running team that loves to run the football, I thought we did that really well. Just a terrific game back and forth the whole time."
For a second straight game, the Raiders unleashed their first-team offense and defense. The defense looked formidable against the run on the opening drive, with Maxx Crosby and Adam Butler securing big tackles for loss on back-to-back plays.
However, the 49ers found success in their air with Brock Purdy going 5-of-7 for 66 yards, three of those passes completed to second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall for 42 yards. The Silver and Black held the Niners to a field goal in the red zone, aided by a quarterback pressure from Tyree Wilson on third down.
The Raiders offense responded with a field goal of their own, with Geno Smith going 3-of-5 for 34 yards,his only two incompletions being deep shots to Dont'e Thornton Jr.
Smith's first pass was a big gain to Brock Bowers, as the tight end soared over Ji'Ayir Brown for a 28-yard reception.
"Overall I thought we had a really good tempo, good pace to us," Smith said of the offense. "I thought the line protected great. It's been two games where I haven't been touched once. And so those are things I'm really happy about."
The first-team defense went back on the field for another series and came away with their second interception this preseason. Jeremy Chinn baited Mac Jones in coverage, swooping in to jump a pass intended to Robbie Chosen.
"It was awesome," Crosby said. "Chinn has had an incredible camp and seeing him going out there and making plays, and just the guys in general going out there and making plays is incredible always."
The turnover wasn't in vain, as the Raiders offense turned it into seven points. Ashton Jeanty began showing a few of the reasons why he the sixth overall pick in this year's draft. He stiff-armed his way for 20 yards on the drive, and scored his first rushing touchdown in an NFL game (though it is preseason, and doesn't count).
Against the Seahawks last week, Jeanty rushed for negative yards on three carries. Saturday in Allegiant Stadium, he finished the day with 35 total scrimmage yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
"It takes time as a rookie to kind of gain that confidence and [now] I'm here, I've arrived," Jeanty said. "It's time to keep going and make plays for this team."
Before halftime, the 49ers found the end zone again with a goal line rush from Jeff Wilson to tie the game. With the opportunity to retake the lead, San Francisco's kicker Jake Moody missed a 53-yard field goal.
Aidan O'Connell drove down the field with six completions for 48 yards to put Daniel Carlson in scoring position, knocking down a 35-yarder to take a 13-10 lead going into halftime.
To start the second half, the special teams unit brought the boom with a 42-yard kick return from rookie Tommy Mellott. Yet momentum shifted when O'Connell threw an interception to Chase Lucas. Throughout the third quarter, Carlson and Moody exchanged field goals to make it a 16-13 game heading into the fourth quarter.
After a successful 50-yard field goal from Moody, rookie quarterback Cam Miller entered the game, who led the charge in the almost Raiders' comeback last week in Seattle. Twenty-five yards in the air from Miller, along with 26 yards on the ground from Chris Collier, led to the Raiders retaking the lead once more with a 30-yard field goal.
But then things went wonky for Las Vegas.
Former Raiders quarterback and now 49ers QB Carter Bradley drove his team down the field 44 yards, getting Moody in position to make a game-tying field goal from 44 yards out.
With Miller then trying to drive the ball down the field for the Raiders to eke out a win, he was intercepted by Jaylen Mahoney – which set up Moody to make a 59-yard field goal to win the game.
The Silver and Black now direct their attention to one final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals next Saturday as they continue evaluating their roster before the start of the regular season.
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a 41-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) and wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Terrell Edmunds (48) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and cornerback DarienPorter (26) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) intercepts a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with teammates after rushing for a 1-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and safety Terrell Edmunds (48) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Qadir Ismail (84) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Atonio Mafi (56) and guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Qadir Ismail (84) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
A view of Allegiant Stadium during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Carter Runyon (46) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates with Head Coach Pete Carroll after kicking a 54-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Ovie Oghoufo (90) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety JT Woods (40) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) and defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Laki Tasi (79) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (86) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) and defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) and defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
