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Grades for Raiders-Vikings

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) against the St. Louis Rams during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Aug. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Here are the top takeaways from Saturday night’s Raiders-Vikings game, including the highest-graded players for each team:

Raiders:

–Due to the weather conditions, it was a tough night for offensive skill players. That didn’t stop rookie WR Amari Cooper, who made a brilliant over-the-shoulder catch from QB Derek Carr. While Carr played sparingly, that lone pass accounted for just over half of his total passing yards on the night (78).

–Rookie guard Jon Feliciano out of Miami (Fla.) has quietly put two solid preseason games together, following up last week’s +2.4 grade against St. Louis with a +1.5. He’s only allowed one QB hurry and his +3.8 run-blocking grade is easily the best on the team.

–Inside linebacker Ben Heeney is also performing well in his first two NFL games, earning a +1.1 and +3.4. Not only does he lead the team in overall and run-defense grades, but his seven defensive stops are three clear of the next player.

Top 5 graded players:

1. ILB Ben Heeney (+3.4)

2. DE Dan Williams (+2.4)

3. DE Shelby Harris (+2.2)

4. FS Nate Allen, OLB Mario Edwards Jr. (+1.5)

 

Vikings:

–The Raiders blitzed Teddy Bridgewater on half his dropbacks, but the QB kept his cool and finished with a +2.2 PFF rating against the blitz. Ten of his 14 attempts were within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, with only two of those falling incomplete.

–Wide receiver Charles D. Johnson had his way with the Oakland secondary, finishing with a +1.9 receiving grade on only five targets. Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden had an especially tough time covering him, allowing three receptions on four targets.

–Backup cornerback Josh Thomas led the Vikings defense with five stops. His +1.9 pass coverage grade was also a team high among defensive backs.

Top 5 graded players:

1. G Michael Harris (+3.6)

2. CB Josh Thomas (+2.9)

3. RB Matt Asiata (+2.2)

4. WR Charles D. Johnson (+1.9)

5. G Austin Shepherd (+1.8)

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