Oakland Raiders: 7 Things To Watch For In Second Preseason Game

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Aug 22, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris rushes with the football as Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck (91) and linebacker Nick Roach (53) chases from behind during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

7. How Will The Run Defense Hold Up?

Over the offseason, the Raiders spent a lot of time, money, and energy trying to fix the problems with their run defense. Dan Williams, Curtis Lofton, and Malcolm Smith were all brought in to help put some teeth into a run defense that surrendered nearly 120 yards a game last season.

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Now, with Meat and Potatoes – Williams and Justin Ellis – clogging the middle of the defensive line, Khalil Mack and Justin Tuck – along with a number of solid rotational players – on the outside, and a linebackers group that is young, deep, fast, and strong, Oakland has the potential to field a top-10 run defense this year.

The run defense was good in week one, limiting the Rams to just 86 yards on the ground. But make no mistake, the Rams did not field a running back with the talent level of Adrian Peterson. Though he’s likely to get very limited reps – if Minnesota runs him out at all – it will be a good test for the Raiders’ run defense. How they fare against the likes of an elite back like AP will be a good measuring stick for their progress to this point – and how much further they may have to go.

Next: 6. A Little Less Vanilla?

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