Oakland Raiders Preseason: 3 Takeaways vs Cowboys

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 02: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is checked on by tackle Donald Penn #72 after being sacked against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 2, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Raiders 30-24. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

3 of 3

ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 26: Darren McFadden #20 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball as he is pursued by Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

1. Defensive Problems Continue

As good as Oakland’s offense looked Saturday night, the defense looked as confused as the first two games. Even with the return of the Raiders’ second-round draft pick Obi Melifonwu the secondary struggled heavily to contain the Dallas offense.

The Cowboys opened the game with a 50-yard drive that ended in a field goal and a 80-yard drive early in the second quarter which ended in a touchdown. The Raiders defense gave up 11 completions for 113 yards to second-year quarterback Dak Prescott. They also gave up 95 yards to the Dallas rushing attack of Alfred Morris, Darren McFadden and Ezekiel Elliott.

One of the more concerning stats for Raiders fan is that veteran tight end Jason Witten torched the Oakland secondary for 74 yards and a touchdown on only six receptions. Oakland struggled all of last season to cover the tight end position and many believed that Melifonwu could be the answer in that department. Despite it being Melifonwu’s first game, it appears Oakland’s tight end problem could continue into this season.

Next: NFL 2017: One unpopular take about each team

The depth of Oakland’s secondary also seemed to be a problem. When the second-team defense entered the game, undrafted rookie quarterback Cooper Rush went 12-of-13 for 115 yards and two touchdowns.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders