‘The tackling stunk’ Pete Carroll says of Raiders’ 1st preseason game

SEATTLE — Coach Pete Carroll did not mince words a day after the Raiders’ slow start in a 23-23 tie with the Seahawks on Thursday in the preseason opener.

“There’s stuff for us to improve in all aspects,” Carroll said Friday.

Specifically, there was the shoddy run defense that surrendered 170 yards on 32 carries, 68 in the first quarter on just seven carries.

“The tackling stunk,” Carroll said.

Carroll pointed out it was the first time the Raiders were actually tackling players to the ground this season. But the same was the case for the Seahawks, who played well against the run.

“Yeah, I am chalking it up to it’s the first preseason game,” Carroll said. “And I’m concerned, yeah.”

Most troubling were the poor angles the Raiders took in pursuit of the ball, and some inefficient run fits. Both led to defenders being out of position to take ball carriers to the ground. The result was too many long runs.

“It was all open field stuff for the most part,” Carroll said. “So that’s why you play these games, and progress was made in the second half.”

Jamal Adams impresses

Adams, a former Pro Bowl safety who is making the transition to linebacker, did his part to help stop the run. As he has throughout training camp, he moved with purpose and fluidity in making his way to the ball, then packed a punch on arrival. The former Seahawk finished with three solo tackles.

“I thought he was pretty flashy, like he’s been in practice,” Carroll said. “He’s been really obvious out there. He’s real sudden. He’s always been a very aggressive attack-oriented player. That’s what’s separated him from others in his past.”

Cam Miller’s strong start

Miller, the Raiders’ seventh-round pick from North Dakota State, thrived in his first NFL action by completing 6 of 7 passes for 76 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown throw to Shedrick Jackson.

Miller said he thought the experience would “feel a little bigger” and that he would be “more stressed out.”

But that was not the case.

“Everything felt a lot better than what I expected,” the rookie said.

That included using a silent count to offset the loud environment at Lumen Field. Miller said it was a first-time experience.

“I had never used silent in college,” he said. “That was the first time we didn’t use clap when it got loud. But I don’t think that would have worked in Seattle. So getting to understand some of these silent cadences has been awesome for my knowledge and understanding of the game of football.”

Aidan O’Connell struggles

O’Connell threw two interceptions and was penalized for intentional grounding, but Carroll said he’s generally pleased with his backup quarterback’s work.

That said, Carroll did point out the Raiders lost some edge during the first half under O’Connell when the offensive pace began waning, specifically at the line of scrimmage.

But, as the game progressed, the operation between O’Connell and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly improved, Carroll said.

“If you notice the second half, it wasn’t like that,” he said. “He adjusted, Chip got on it and he looked a lot better.”

O’Connell will get another chance Aug. 16 when the Raiders host the 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. So, too, will Geno Smith and the first-team offense, which took just four snaps on the opening drive before giving way to O’Connell and most of the backups.

Carroll said his starting offense is “going to play quite a bit” against the 49ers.

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.