Quarterback Derek Carr
The Oakland Raiders opened up their second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Let's take a look at the highlights from the first half.
The first quarter of the matchup was primarily a defensive face-off between the opposing teams. The Raiders kept the score to seven, due to a touchdown run by Packers running back Eddie Lacy. Before the Packers scored, rookie safety Karl Joseph made a goal line stop against the Alabama-product.
The chemistry between Carr and second-year wide receiver Amari Cooper continues to show. Carr delivered a beautiful pass to Cooper and fit the ball in a narrow window, the completed 20-yard pass lead to a Raiders first down.
At the end of the first, Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski showed off his powerful boot with a 46-yard field goal through the uprights. Janikowski's ability to perform at a consistent level of play attributes to what's made him so successful during his 17 years in the league.
After allowing the Packers to run the ball fairly well in the first quarter, the Raiders responded nicely in the second quarter by penetrating the Packers' offensive line. On a 4th and 1, linebacker Bruce Irvin pursued Packers quarterback Joe Callahan to force an incomplete pass, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Although it hasn't been a high scoring game up to this point, the defense's have been playing at a high level of intensity. The defense from both teams has been stout and sound so far, the Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack has been physical on the front line. He drilled Callahan for a sack of eight-yards and followed it by forcing an intentional grounding penalty.
Most notably, the Raiders left their starters out to finish the entire first half.
Going into the second half the Packers lead the Raiders 7-3.
