Raider Nation’s Preseason Showdown: Key Battles to Watch in Seattle
If you ask Pete Carroll about football, one word he loves to drop is competition — and boy, is there a ton of that brewing with the Raiders right now. Tonight, the Raiders kick off their preseason against Carroll’s Seahawks in Seattle, and it’s shaping up to be a must-watch for fans eager to see which players are stepping up in these intense position battles.
With roster spots on the line and a fresh coaching staff eager to shape this team’s identity, every snap counts. Let’s dive into the key matchups and players you should have on your radar as this preseason opener unfolds.
Zamir White vs. Sincere McCormick: The Running Back Shuffle
The Raiders' running back situation is anything but settled. Over the offseason, Pete Carroll has praised Zamir White, hyping his potential and skillset, but Raider fans know this song from last year — and the outcome wasn’t exactly a home run. Sincere McCormick ended up carving out more opportunities as the lead back, though the overall backfield depth still felt shaky.
Fast forward to 2025, and the picture is a bit clearer: rookie Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders’ 6th overall pick, is the unquestioned feature back. But behind Jeanty, the battle heats up. Raheem Mostert slots in as the veteran No. 2, leaving White and McCormick duking it out for the crucial third spot.
The implications? This isn’t just about who gets carries in garbage time. Whoever wins this battle could either earn a coveted roster spot or find themselves on the practice squad, hoping for a late call-up. Both players bring unique skill sets — White’s power running versus McCormick’s versatility — and their performance tonight might just decide the Raiders' running game depth for the season.
Collin Johnson vs. Phillip Dorsett: Receiver Roster Roulette
On paper, this isn’t a direct one-on-one battle since Collin Johnson lines up as an X receiver while Phillip Dorsett is a Z. But with the Raiders seemingly settled on Dont’e Thornton as the starting X and Tre Tucker at the Z, both Johnson and Dorsett find themselves vying for those last few precious roster spots at wideout.
Both have flashed some impressive moments in training camp — Johnson with his size and contested catch ability, and Dorsett with his quickness and special teams potential. The catch here? These guys need to put on a show tonight to impress the coaching staff. It’s a classic “prove it or lose it” scenario. A standout preseason performance could push one of them into a key role, while a dud might spell a cut or a future on the practice squad.
Don’t be surprised if you see some creative plays thrown their way tonight as they desperately try to make a case for themselves.
Jackson Powers-Johnson vs. Alex Cappa: The Offensive Line Shake-Up
The Raiders offensive line has been a rollercoaster of late, and this preseason opener might provide some early clarity. Alex Cappa came into camp expected to start at right guard, while Jackson Powers-Johnson (JPJ) was penciled in as the starting center.
But the coaching staff threw a curveball. Jordan Meredith took over first-team center duties, and JPJ shifted to right guard, directly competing with Cappa for snaps. What we’re seeing here is a classic battle for who’ll be part of the Raiders’ best five on the field when the regular season rolls around.
This battle is more than just about talent — it’s about consistency and reliability. Cappa struggled mightily with pass protection last season, finishing with some of the worst marks in the league. Tonight, he’s got a chance to prove that was a one-off and reclaim his spot. Meanwhile, JPJ’s versatility and solid play at guard give him a real shot to steal the job.
The first clues? Who takes the field early, and more importantly, who gets subbed out early. These signals will reveal where the coaching staff currently stands. Of course, how each performs under game conditions will be the ultimate decider.
Tommy Eichenberg vs. Cody Lindenberg: Linebacker Depth Battle
The linebacking corps is a crowded room, and these two are fighting for a slim chance at contributing. Tommy Eichenberg, a fifth-round pick last year by the Raiders’ previous regime, and Cody Lindenberg, a fresh-faced seventh-round rookie, both bring different flavors to the table.
Their role this year? Most likely special teams, where effort and hustle can extend careers. But with linebacker depth a critical factor for the Raiders, making an impact here could lead to more defensive snaps down the line.
This battle is less about flash and more about grit, determination, and showing coaches you can be trusted when it counts.
Chris Smith II vs. Thomas Harper: Filling a Void in the Secondary
Losing Lonnie Johnson Jr. for at least the first few weeks of the season leaves a big hole in the Raiders’ defensive backfield. That vacancy sets the stage for an intriguing competition between Chris Smith II and Thomas Harper.
Smith is entering his third NFL season and was a fifth-round pick out of Georgia. Last year, he was in a heated battle with Harper, an undrafted free agent who ultimately won out and started five games.
Could the script flip in 2025? Both players have their unique strengths. Smith’s experience and physicality contrast with Harper’s tenacity and speed. Tonight could be a pivotal moment in deciding who steps up to help anchor the Raiders’ secondary in Johnson’s absence.
What to Watch for Tonight — Key Takeaways
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High stakes for roster spots: With the Raiders juggling a mix of veterans, promising rookies, and bubble players, every snap is an audition.
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Preseason battles are about momentum: A strong showing tonight could catapult a player from fringe to frontline, while a lackluster game might send them packing.
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Position versatility is key: Players like JPJ shifting from center to guard and receivers fighting for any spot underline the importance of adaptability in today’s NFL.
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Special teams matter: For guys like Eichenberg and Lindenberg, excelling in special teams could be their ticket onto the active roster.
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Fan excitement: Seeing these battles unfold in Seattle adds an extra layer of drama, especially against Pete Carroll’s competitive Seahawks.
Final Thoughts
Preseason games are often overlooked, but they’re packed with storylines that matter — especially for a Raiders team hungry to get back to relevancy. Tonight, expect a hard-fought, no-holds-barred battle across the board.
Will Zamir White finally break out? Can Ashton Jeanty solidify his rookie season dominance? Will Collin Johnson or Phillip Dorsett seize their moment? And can Alex Cappa erase last year’s struggles and fend off JPJ’s challenge?
These are the questions hanging in the air as kickoff approaches.
If you love drama, competition, and football grit, tonight’s Raiders-Seahawks preseason opener is where you want to be.
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