The Raiders were missing nine starters on offense during Saturday’s 20-10 preseason loss to Arizona. The defense was a bit more intact, with just edge rushers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin sitting this one out.
The non-injury related absences made sense. The offense has plenty of established veterans who have already played together. The Raiders defense, by contrast, has some bonding to do.
The Raiders could rely on three rookie this season, with several other young players in key spots. Those players got some extra work against the Cardinals, with a group of young first-teamers carrying on after veterans bowed out.