Raiders drop second preseason game to Dallas Cowboys

The Las Vegas Raiders fell short in their second preseason game of the year to the Dallas Cowboys, 27-12.

Red zone trips and turnovers were the difficulty of the day for the Raiders.

The Silver and Black went 1-of-4 inside the red zone, which also included two failed fourth-down conversions. While the turnover battle was even at one, Aidan O’Connell threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Cowboys’ Kemon Hall.

Gardner Minshew II and O’Connell both had their shares of highs and lows throughout the contest. While Minshew showcased mobility and solid improvisational skills inside the pocket, he went 10-of-21 with 95 passing yards. O’Connell, the Raiders’ 2023 fourth-round pick, had a more accurate day, completing 70 percent of his throws and a dime in the flat to Harrison Bryant for a touchdown. However, his last throw for the night was the pick-six to Hall.

“We’ll look at it, we’ll evaluate,” Head Coach Antonio Pierce said postgame of the QB battle. “They both had opportunities. Aidan had 20 attempts, Minshew had 21. About as balanced as we could get it. Obviously, you saw what our plan was tonight, throw the ball around and let these guys showcase what they can do.”

Signs of optimism shined through in the production from young receivers Tre Tucker and DJ Turner. Tucker, the second-year player from Cincinnati, was the team’s leading receiver with 66 yards on three catches. Turner reeled in five of his six targets for 31 yards. Both also contributed on special teams, combining for 61 yards on punt return.

The Raiders’ preseason finale is next Saturday, August 23, as they host the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers at 7 p.m. PT in Allegiant Stadium.