Aidan O’Connell torched the Texans, turning that game around in three possessions, 23 plays, 195 yards, and two touchdowns, all in a blistering 10:29. The former fourth-round pick then went and set the Raiders’ highest point total for a single game in team history as a starter. Forget your typical preseason snooze-fest; that’s a statement, and with only one cut day left, players are scrambling to make their mark. O’Connell absolutely did.
The QB Room’s Wild Card and Defensive Hustle
Listen, O’Connell’s value runs deep. Since he’s on a rookie deal, he doesn’t even need to be declared active, meaning he can still play as the #3 quarterback. Plus, he’s got legitimate trade value if some other team comes knocking for a capable veteran option at a low cost. Now, let’s talk worst-case scenario: the offensive line’s pass-protection doesn’t improve, and the receivers can’t answer head coach Klint Kubiak’s callout. If Kirk Cousins starts and something happens (not wishing anything bad, just playing it out), protecting number-one overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza would be the priority. Instead of feeding Mendoza to the wolves, O’Connell could step in and showcase his skills before hitting free agency. There’s zero reason to cut or move him unless an absolutely insane offer lands.
But O’Connell wasn’t the only one putting in work. Cian Slone, playing 43 snaps in two games, was an absolute eye-opener. The dude racked up 5 tackles, 4 quarterback hits, 2 pressures (one even led to an interception), and a sack. His pure hustle and technique are off the charts, perfecting the art of “running the hoop.” Seriously, his lateral quickness and change of direction are ridiculously fast, and his hustle to the whistle always creates second-chance opportunities he totally capitalizes on.
Rising Stars on Defense
Pat Johnson has shown up in both games as a legit well-rounded player. He’s sacked the quarterback in *both* games and forced a game-changing fumble against the Texans. With multiple run stuffs per game, Johnson is straight-up outplaying almost every other defensive end on the roster. He might not be the biggest guy out there, but you would never know it by watching him fly around. He’s clawed his way up from the bottom of the depth chart to starting with the twos against Houston’s ones. He’s absolutely gonna be a critical rotational piece for that Raiders defense in 2026.
Then there’s Folorunso Fatukasi. Yeah, it was just one preseason game against his former team, but the push he provided up front was something we haven’t seen all preseason. Fatukasi was collapsing pockets, bringing pressure constantly, fighting through double teams, and stuffing the run. Size up front is a known issue for that defense, so if Fatukasi keeps bringing that push up the middle, he absolutely needs to start.
Even rookie Jermod McCoy bounced back after his preseason debut, not surrendering a single touchdown against the Texans. He flashed that first-round corner promise, locking down his coverage and preventing catches. The only hiccup? Standing over a receiver and taunting him on the ground. A rookie mistake, for sure, and one that cost the team getting off the field. You just know he’s going to learn from that. With more preseason action ahead, these guys are making serious cases for their spots.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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