How Few Things (Currently) Set in Stone for Kubiak's Raiders

Competition Over Certainty

With the final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday and the 53-man roster cutdown on Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders are deliberately keeping competitions open across the roster. Head coach Klint Kubiak has made clear he is in no rush to name starters, even where one might seem obvious.

"I think it benefits our team that players shouldn't know they have a spot secured," Kubiak said, as reported by Sports Illustrated. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard echoed that sentiment, noting that "very few jobs are settled" and that players remain in competition.

The approach is a deliberate part of the team's rebuild. General manager John Spytek has undertaken a "reformation" of the franchise, as described by Sports Illustrated, and Kubiak was "the clear choice" for head coach based on Spytek's vision. The roster was quickly revamped over the offseason, but most positions still have significant questions, with center, left tackle, tight end, running back, and punter among the few settled spots.

A Defensive Reset

Rob Leonard will call plays for the first time in his career, moving from defensive line coach and run game coordinator to overseeing the entire defense. The unit surrendered 25.2 points per game last year, the seventh-worst in the NFL, and Leonard is shifting to an aggressive 3-4 scheme with wrinkles and alignment shifts.

According to Heavy., the scheme is influenced by Mike Macdonald and Brian Flores, which will likely lead to a marked increase in blitz rates. Leonard, however, wants to calm his "overly aggressive tendency to attack." Cornerback Eric Stokes praised Leonard's attention to detail, saying he promptly pauses meetings to ensure everyone is aligned.

Leonard told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he wanted the team's play style to improve from game one to game two, focusing on operation, substitutions, and urgency. The defense will use multiple fronts, with edges like Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye rushing, and linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker slipping through the A gap.

Crosby had ten sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits under Leonard's tutelage last season. Stokes allowed just one passing touchdown and a 56.7% opponent completion rate.

Jeanty Injury Raises Concern

A concerning moment came during a walk-through without pads when rookie running back Ashton Jeanty injured his right leg. Jeanty, diving for a ball thrown by Kirk Cousins, was assisted off the field without putting pressure on the leg. Teammates knelt and prayed upon noticing the injury, as reported by Sports Illustrated.

The team has not made an official statement, though a Raiders organization member said preliminary thoughts are that it isn't disastrous, with more tests expected. The injury occurred during a non-contact drill, adding to the concern.

Building Through Competition

Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko said there are "plenty of spots" on offense to be won and that no one should get comfortable. He outlined specific expectations for wide receivers: getting off the ball at the right tempo, precise depths, correct break points, and making "moment of truth" plays.

Wide receiver Tre Tucker emphasized the need to be better in the run game, citing the motto "no block, no rock." He also expressed excitement about playing with quarterbacks who throw with anticipation, allowing him to go full speed. Teammate Malik Benson has impressed and earned trust, with Tucker describing his "middle demeanor" and the need for "windshield wipers" after bad plays.

Kubiak, however, said the wide receiver room "took a step backwards" and that he is "still looking" for someone accountable. He was blunt about penalties, calling specific violations unacceptable, including a back block on Roman Hemby, a costly error by Decamerion Richardson, a taunt after a third-down stop, a face mask, and substitution penalties.

Despite the criticism, the Raiders showed resilience in their comeback win against Houston, where they had two strip sacks and two takeaways. Kubiak emphasized winning the turnover battle as a key takeaway.

The Quarterback Picture

Janocko praised Aidan O'Connell's intelligence and awareness, projecting the Raiders will keep three quarterbacks on the roster. Fernando Mendoza had a rough day in practice with two interceptions, but Janocko praised his preparation and approach. Mendoza rebounded the next day, looking sharp and poised, according to Sports Illustrated.

Kubiak discussed the challenge of getting young players reps, mentioning coach Sullivan spending early mornings and long nights with the quarterbacks. Mekhi Lewis (not mentioned) wasn't part of the coverage, but Mendoza's growth has been a storyline.

Roster Battles and Youth Movement

The team is expected to carry 8-12 rookies this season, with a defensive backfield that could feature many young players. Treydan Stukes has taken reps with the first team and has Leonard's attention for his consistency and instincts. The team will keep 10 defensive backs per projection, with 40% being rookies.

At right guard, the battle between Caleb Rogers and Jackson Powers-Johnson continues, with Tyler Linderbaum praising Rogers's work ethic. Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has had an outstanding camp, and undrafted wide receivers EJ Williams and Chase Roberts are competing for roster spots.

Linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Lindenberg, dubbed the "Bergs," are shining, and defensive end Patrick Johnson is playing well and projects to make the roster. Johnson said his wrestling background contributed to his athleticism.

Looking Ahead

The Raiders have one more preseason game against the 49ers before the roster is trimmed. Maxx Crosby will not play, with Kubiak saying he won't give him reps. The team has shown improvement with each practice and preseason game, and Kubiak believes the defense took a step forward against Houston.

Kubiak is focused on fixing penalties through accountability, education, and drilling. "We've got to hold guys accountable," he said, emphasizing the importance of discipline as the regular season approaches.

With so many positions still in flux, the next few days will be crucial for players vying for spots. As Kubiak put it, the team is still competing, and few things are set in stone.