Oakland Raiders: 5 Players To Watch Against The Cardinals

Oct 19, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Oakland Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski (61) snaps the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders, like every other team in the NFL, roll into week three of the exhibition season looking to evaluate the talent on their roster as well as answer some questions that have persisted. They get a good test, both offensively and defensively in the Arizona Cardinals this week. And with some position battles still raging, the Raiders can’t simply put it in neutral and cruise through this game.

Positions from the wide receiver rotation to the back up running back spot, to the cornerbacks, to the defensive line rotations are far from settled at this point. So you can expect to see guys playing as if their lives – and roster spots – depended upon it. Because in some cases, it absolutely does.

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While most of the presumed starters may get a little extra time on the field tonight – just to get some extra work in – watch for the guys the coaching staff really wants to take a look at to get significant reps. Rookies, free agent additions, and even the undrafted free agents are likely going to get a long look from HC Jack Del Rio and his staff tonight.

With the regular season just around the corner, now is the time for guys to step up and prove that they belong on an NFL roster. Now is the time for guys to show that they have what it takes to help return the Raiders to relevance once again.

Some are likely a lock to make the roster – though most thought the same thing about Jonathan Dowling – bit just how much playing time they’re going to get once things get real is at stake. And with the rosters being trimmed to 75 by Tuesday and 53 by the weekend, some of these other guys on the bubble shouldn’t need any extra motivation to go out and perform.

With all that is on the line, these five guys bear watching tonight when the Raiders take on the Cardinals…

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