If there's one thing that can be said about Pete Carroll's Raiders team in the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, it's that they competed.
Despite trailing by multiple scores the majority of the game, the Silver and Black didn't succumb to defeat. An impressive second-half comeback placed them in position to almost come away with a victory.
The Raiders sent their first-team offense and defense out on the field to start the game. On Geno Smith's first throw as a Raider, he completed a 15-yard pass to Tre Tucker for a first down.
After their drive stalled, the Seahawks offense began to drive the ball down the field on the Raiders. However, the defense was able to get off the field in part to safety Isaiah Pola-Mao lurking over to jump a route for an interception.
Back and forth action occurred until the Seahawks found their way to the end zone. George Holani scored on a 24-yard rush, and totaled 61 rushing yards with a 8.7 yards per carry average in the first half.
While the Raiders secured a turnover to start the game, the offense stalled throughout the rest of the first half. Aidan O'Connell threw two interceptions, as Seattle added to their lead with a 10-yard touchdown grab by rookie Tory Horton and a 48-yard field goal made by Jason Myers.
"We didn't really run the ball well in the first half. We really didn't do much of anything very well," Pete Carroll said postgame. "But we stayed close and so it was the opportunity for us to face that up and then come on back in the second half to see what you could do in the second half to finish the game."
With the beginning of the second half, the momentum shifted.
Kyu Blu Kelly almost came away with interception, but his pass breakup helped get the defense off the field. The cornerback hailing from Las Vegas finished the game with two solo tackles and two pass deflections.
With the offense's first drive in the third quarter, O'Connell began to settle in. He went a perfect 5-of-5 for 56 yards, finding second-year running back Dylan Laube for a six-yard touchdown.
O'Connell continued to find a rhythm with receivers Collin Johnson and Phillip Dorsett, who combined for five catches for 53 yards on the day.
After getting back into scoring position, Daniel Carlson redeemed himself from missing a 55-yard field goal at the end of the first half. He upped the ante with a 56-yarder to cut the lead down to three points.
After Carlson's big field goal, Seattle drove the ball down the field 65 yards while taking nearly five minutes off the clock. Rookie Jacardia Wright hit paydirt from the 1-yard line to make it 23-13 with 9:42 left to play.
The Raiders responded remarkably quick, with the insertion of seventh-round pick Cam Miller into the game at quarterback. The North Dakota State product found Shedrick Jackson wide open 41 yards down the field. The touchdown cut the lead back to three, once again.
A defensive stop on fourth down put the Raiders offense in position to win or tie the game with Miller back under center. While able to convert on a fourth down with a read option, a sack prevented them from capping off the drive with a touchdown. Carlson knocked in another field goal from 50+ yards to tie the game at 23 with 1:16 left in regulation.
With another defensive stop, capped off by a Treven Ma'ae sack on Seahawks' Jalen Milroe, the Raiders received one final opportunity to complete the comeback. Miller went 3-of-4 for 31 yards on the final drive to put the team in scoring position. However, Carlson's 55-yard field goal was blocked as time expired.
There's no overtime in NFL preseason contests, meaning the game ended in a tie. It's a result the Silver and Black can live with, though, considering their first half deficit.
"It was a marvelous second half for our guys as a team," Carroll said. "We did so many cool things that we weren't able to do. We ran the ball better, we protected the quarterback better, the quarterbacks made their throws, the guys made their catches and gave us a chance to win the football game on the last play of the game."
"That's kind of all we can hope for, Bud Grant taught me that a long time ago," he added. "So it winds up being a tie, too bad."
With a lot of things to improve, yet also to be optimistic about, the Raiders now prepare for a joint practice and preseason game with the San Francisco 49ers next week.
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) intercepts a pass during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) after intercepting a pass during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jamal Adams (33) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) and defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and safety Jamal Adams (33) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jamal Adams (33) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a 27-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates with center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after kicking a 27-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42), safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) and defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) and linebacker Michael Barrett (43) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61), quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12), guard Caleb Rogers (76) and tackle Charles Grant (60) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Ovie Oghoufo (90) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) and defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Carter Runyon (46) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) runs into the end zone after making a catch for a 6-yard touchdown during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) celebrates with center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) celebrates with Head Coach Pete Carroll after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) goes to kick a PAT during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (47) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (35) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II (13) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Gottlieb Ayedze (72) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) celebrates after making a 41-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Laki Tasi (79) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) and running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jamal Adams (33) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Parker Clements (70) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Qadir Ismail (84) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) goes to kick a 51-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates with long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) after kicking a 51-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates after kicking a 51-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) with fans after the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
