The Las Vegas Raiders came up just short in a preseason showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, dropping a 22-19 decision on a last-second 59-yard field goal at Allegiant Stadium. It was the kind of game that left fans with plenty to talk about: encouraging performances, some noticeable struggles and a glimpse at young talent trying to earn roster spots.
A Fast Start for the 49ers
San Francisco opened the game with several of its starters on the field, including quarterback Brock Purdy. The Raiders countered with most of their defensive first unit, giving fans an early taste of what a regular-season matchup might look like. Purdy looked sharp, completing passes to rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall and even moving the chains on a long third down.
The drive ended in a field goal, but the Raiders’ defense showed solid tackling, highlighted by Maxx Crosby’s strong stop on a run play. One of the early storylines was the Raiders’ cornerback rotation. With rookie Darien Porter stepping aside after starting last week, Kyu Blu Kelly got the nod. Meanwhile, new defensive tackle Thomas Booker filled in for rookie J.J. Pegues, who later left with an injury.
Raiders Answer Back
Las Vegas responded quickly. After Sincere McCormick’s kickoff return, Geno Smith wasted no time, connecting with standout rookie tight end Brock Bowers for a big 28-yard gain into 49ers territory. Although Smith missed Dont’a Thornton on a couple of throws, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty made his presence felt.
He carried the ball effectively, added a short catch and eventually capped off the drive with a tough touchdown run. It was a bounce-back performance for Jeanty, who had struggled the previous week. Thanks to improved blocking from the offensive line, he showed why the Raiders are excited about his potential.
One of the brightest moments for the Raiders came when safety Jeremy Chinn intercepted backup quarterback Mac Jones. That turnover set up the Jeanty touchdown; for a brief stretch, the Raiders looked firmly in control.
Still, the defense wasn’t perfect: a roughing-the-passer call on Jamal Adams gave San Francisco new life, then the 49ers’ reserves managed to put together a tying drive. Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg had a particularly rough series, and the run defense faltered at times.
O’Connell Takes Over
After Smith’s solid outing (6 of 8 for 55 yards), Aidan O’Connell entered the game. His first drive stalled after a sack, but on his second chance, he moved the offense efficiently, connecting with rookie receiver Jack Bech for multiple first downs. A Carlson field goal gave Las Vegas a 13-10 halftime lead.
O’Connell’s performance was better than the week before, though not flawless. He threw a costly interception in the second half, his third of the preseason. Still, his overall line (15 completions on 23 attempts for 138 yards) showed progress.
As preseason winds down, many fans are already turning their attention to the regular season and wondering how these tune-up games might influence betting lines. If you’re curious about early projections and spreads, this is usually the time to check where to find Week 1 NFL odds, since preseason performances often shift expectations heading into opening weekend.
Special Teams Shine
The Raiders’ special teams unit added some fireworks. Sixth-round rookie Tommy Mellott opened the third quarter with an impressive 42-yard kickoff return, strengthening his case to make the roster. Premier kicker Daniel Carlson, meanwhile, was as reliable as ever, drilling three field goals, including a 54-yarder in the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth contest. Carlson’s kicks gave the Raiders a 19-16 lead with just over three minutes left. But with the game on the line, San Francisco’s depth showed up. Rookie quarterback Cam Miller, fighting for the backup job, struggled in his final series. He was sacked twice and threw an interception that set up the 49ers’ winning kick as time expired.
The Raiders walked off the field with a preseason record of 0-1-1, but there were noticeable improvements from their sloppy opener in Seattle. They cut their penalties in half, just five for 30 yards compared to 10 for 80 the week before.
Roster Battles Heating Up
Beyond the score, the game was another chance for coaches to evaluate players fighting for roster spots:
- Ashton Jeanty looked more comfortable, showing speed and toughness with 33 rushing yards and a touchdown.
- Laki Tasi, the massive offensive lineman project, once again turned heads as a powerful run-blocker. While he’s raw, the team seems eager to develop him on the practice squad.
- Cam Miller had some nice flashes of poise but ultimately struggled under pressure. His battle with O’Connell for the backup quarterback role is far from decided.
- Tommy Mellott boosted his stock with his return skills, which may be his ticket onto the 53-man roster.
While the action unfolded on the field, there was also buzz in the stands. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady was spotted in the coaches’ booth, keeping a close eye on the team. Though he doesn’t have final say in decisions, his presence around the organization this summer hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Looking Ahead
The Raiders still have work to do before the regular season kicks off. Their final preseason test comes next week against the Arizona Cardinals, where roster spots and position battles will be on full display. Despite the last-second heartbreak, Saturday’s game offered plenty of positives.
Geno Smith looked steady as the starter, Ashton Jeanty took a step forward, and the defense created a key turnover. Most importantly, the Raiders showed cleaner execution and better discipline. In preseason football, the scoreboard doesn’t always tell the whole story. For Las Vegas, this was less about the loss and more about growth. In that sense, the Raiders are trending in the right direction.