The Las Vegas Raiders have undergone significant changes following a tumultuous first half of last season, leading to the firing of former head coach Josh McDaniels and the promotion of Antonio Pierce. Under Pierce, players have reported a more positive atmosphere, with an emphasis on physicality and controlling the line of scrimmage. As the team prepares for the regular season, they face critical decisions regarding their roster, particularly in the cornerback position where depth remains a concern. The Raiders concluded their preseason with a tie against the 49ers, showing some signs of improvement but still needing to address vulnerabilities on defense. Pierce, drawing from his experience as a former player, is focused on building a competitive squad and navigating the challenges of final roster cuts. As expectations remain low, the Raiders aim to surprise critics with a strong start against divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers.