Raiders-Vikings preview: What to watch for in Week 2 of preseason

The Las Vegas Raiders were all smiles following Thursday's win over Jacksonville. Backup QBs produced, defenders held their own and the team overall showed much promise. Now, the Raiders look to build on their performance as they head into Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

Raider Nation, here are five points of emphasis to follow during the game:

Can Thayer Munford & Dylan Parham ease O-line struggles?

Thayer Munford Jr. is a name that's often snuck through the highs and lows of Las Vegas' offensive line. The Raiders' last pick in the 2022 draft has been competing for the starting tackle position with sophomore Alex Leatherwood and veteran Brandon Parker. Munford has looked good in practices and even saw some quality action in Week 1. With Leatherwood needing to muster better play, and Parker recently suffering an arm injury, Munford must show out against Minnesota. Even though some reporters feel the Raiders need to deal for an offensive tackle, it should be noted that they can improve in-house with the rise of Munford. He will see a higher amount of playing time in Week 2 and must make it count. 

Fellow rookie, Dylan Parham has also been gaining attention after his solid play and his involvement in a brawl with star teammate Maxx Crosby. 

The former Memphis Tiger is in a battle with fellow guards John Simpson and Jermaine Eluemunor. Just like the tackle spot, there's one opening at guard. Parham is a name to follow on Sunday -- his potential starting job is in reach.

Future Pro Bowler Nate Hobbs 

Nate Hobbs is having himself a camp. The second-year cornerback has had the responsibility of guarding  All-Pro wideout Davante Adams at practice and has demonstrated excellent coverage and confidence while doing so. 

As Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal puts it, "It’s become a daily routine in Raiders training camp. No matter where Davante Adams lines up, second-year cornerback Nate Hobbs is directly in front of him."

Hobbs had a positive Week 1 and has been preparing for a better Week 2. The 195-pounder is poised to have a Pro Bowl season and is most definitely a player Raiders fans need to watch for this weekend. 

Which Raiders wide receiver will rise to the occasion?

The face of the franchise, Derek Carr has some elite options for his passing game. Alongside the "Big Three" of weapons in Hunter Renfrow (WR), Darren Waller (TE) and Adams, the team has to dig deep to find the fourth piece. Among available options, the Black Hole will likely see a mixture of Tyron Johnson, Mack Hollins, and Keelan Cole snagging balls at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. However, the question is: who will step up? 

Josh Jacobs, Zamir White, and the rest of the backfield

Las Vegas' running back situation, both contractually and on the depth chart, has been a point of interest following Josh McDaniels' first win as Raiders' coach. Catching most off guard, Josh Jacobs playing the opening minutes versus Jacksonville caused controversy in Raider Land, inducing wonders regarding the team's value in the former Alabama star. 

"Why would McDaniels trade his best running back, who’s racked up 1,065-plus rushing yards in two out of three seasons, after the club had an abysmal 2021 campaign on the ground?," said Bleacher Report's Maurice Moton on trade rumors surrounding Jacobs.

Tie this in with strong showings from rookie Zamir 'Zeus' White and veteran Austin Walter, and things are getting interesting at the ball carrier position. Raiders fans may be witnessing the changing of the guard this preseason.

More Quarterback Stuff

Carr can play with the best of them. Unfortunately, doomsday scenarios exist where he goes down with an injury. Though, the Raiders appear to be set at the QB2 position due to the familiarity and calmness brought forth by ex-Patriot Jarret Stidham. This still leaves room for the potential roster cuts or QB3 among undrafted rookie Chase Garbers and seasoned veteran Nick Mullens. The tandem each had decent performances in the Hall of Fame game, but one needs to elevate. Raiders fans should expect one of Mullens or Garbers to stay on the roster in some capacity -- as the QB3 or on the practice squad, but it's unlikely that both remain. Sunday afternoon would be a good time for the quarterback competition to crank up the volume, as is something silver and black supporters should be wary of.