Raiders Defense Strong in 13-6 Win Over Packers
OAKLAND (AP) -- Derek Carr led a scoring drive on his only possession of a shorter-than-expected preseason appearance, and the Oakland Raiders beat the Green Bay Packers 13-6 on Friday night.
Coach Jon Gruden had said earlier in the week that Carr and the offensive starters would likely play into the second quarter. But he pulled him after an opening drive that ended when Reggie Gilbert bull-rushed right tackle Donald Penn into Carr, leading to a sack and fumble that Carr recovered.
The Packers rested quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offensive starters as both teams appear eager for the regular season to start in just over two weeks.
The Raiders won when Chris Warren III scored on a 1-yard run with 5:07 to play.
Carr went deep on the opening play, completing a 49-yard pass to Amari Cooper following a play-action fake. The Raiders moved to the 4 before the sack ended the drive and led to a field goal.
Both Penn, making the move from left tackle to the right side, and rookie left tackle Kolton Miller struggled in protection, possibly leading to Gruden's decision to pull Carr early.
Backup Connor Cook struggled, going 6 for 15 for 72 yards and throwing a pass that was intercepted by Green Bay rookie Jaire Alexander . Cook threw another interception that rookie Josh Jackson returned for a TD, but that got overturned by a defensive hold on the other side of the field.
Green Bay quarterback Brett Hundley wasn't much better, going 8 for 14 for 78 yards and leading one field goal drive in the first half.
TRADING TEAMS
In warmups, Carr and Rodgers took the opportunity to throw to old teammates who are now on the opposite team. Carr threw to his former Fresno State teammate Davante Adams and Rodgers warmed up with former Packers receiver Jordy Nelson.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch once again sat during the national anthem. Lynch also sat for the anthem all of last season but never gave a reason for his decision. No other players on either team demonstrated during the anthem.
HELMET RULE
There was one penalty under the new rule prohibiting players from leading with their helmets. Oakland S Marcus Gilchrist was called for the infraction on a tackle against Lance Kendricks in the second quarter.
DEBUT
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie made his debut for the Raiders before even taking part in a practice. Rodgers-Cromartie was signed Thursday and came into the game in the third quarter at cornerback.
INJURIES
Packers: LB Oren Burks got hurt during warmups and didn't play. ... RB Ty Montgomery left in the first quarter with a foot injury.
Raiders: DE Bruce Irvin was excused from the game for a personal matter.
NEXT UP
Raiders: Visit Seattle on Aug. 30.
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