Raiders vs. 49ers preseason Week 1 score: Trey Lance finds mixed results as Las Vegas cruises to blowout win

Las Vegas rolls in the preseason Week 1 finale

The 49ers entered Sunday's 2023 preseason opener looking to gain some clarity at quarterback, where former first-round picks Trey Lance and Sam Darnold are competing behind incumbent starter Brock Purdy. Instead, they may have stumbled upon more questions. Whereas the opposing Raiders enjoyed a sterling performance from fourth-round rookie Aidan O'Connell, who started and played almost the entire game in place of a resting Jimmy Garoppolo, Lance and Darnold managed just a single score in a 34-7 defeat.

Technically the 49ers' starting QB job is still up for grabs, but Purdy, who's been on and off the practice field while returning from elbow surgery, is listed as the No. 1 on San Francisco's unofficial depth chart. Lance seemingly has the most to gain in the preseason, logging just four starts in two injury-riddled seasons since entering as a No. 3 overall pick. But he found mixed results at best Sunday. The 23-year-old was 10 of 15 for 112 yards and a touchdown through the air, but he also threw a pair of near-interceptions and took four sacks, leading the 49ers to a single scoring drive on six possessions.

Darnold also dealt with iffy protection after relieving Lance, and he offered some prettier downfield throws, including a 37-yard sideline loft to Ronnie Bell. But even with a more balanced offensive script, the ex-Jets and Panthers starter couldn't get San Francisco back on the scoreboard. He finished 5 of 8 for 84 yards before giving way to former Bengals reserve Brandon Allen.

O'Connell, meanwhile, was practically perfect for the Raiders (you can check out where we ranked him among 14 rookie QBs to play in Week 1 of the preseason here). 

The Purdue product, drafted 135th overall this April, started in place of Garoppolo, the former 49ers standout who's struggled to stay healthy over the years. He proceeded to go 15 of 18 for 141 yards and a touchdown in his unofficial NFL debut, spreading the ball around to make a case for Las Vegas' top reserve job. Journeyman Brian Hoyer is currently listed as Garoppolo's backup, but he didn't play in Sunday's game, with Chase Garbers taking over late.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 5:30 pm ET · Cody Benjamin]

Lots to draw from the first half of 49ers-Raiders, but since all eyes are on the QB situation, let's make it clear: fourth-round Raiders rookie Aidan O'Connell was the superior performer even as Trey Lance got the nod for San Francisco. O'Connell was practically perfect from the pocket, going 10 of 13 to lead a 14-7 edge. Lance, meanwhile, showed some solid improvisation but also had a few head-scratchers, nearly throwing two picks (including in the end zone) and absorbing a key sack. Here's the real killer: with Lance under center, the 49ers went just 1 for 6 on third and fourth downs, managing a single scoring drive. The former first-rounder rebounded with a late drive to set up a would-be field goal, but it's clear he's still growing at the position.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 5:12 pm ET · Cody Benjamin]

Trey Lance takes a big sack before the 49ers' failed fourth-down attempt. The numbers aren't ugly -- he's still 8 of 11 through the air, with a touchdown and no turnovers -- but the way he's gotten there hasn't necessarily been pretty. The fact San Francisco has put just  a single score on the board through almost one half is more telling.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 5:01 pm ET · Cody Benjamin]

A beauty of a downfield sideline strike from rookie Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell, but the drive ends in a punt. You have to like what you see from the Purdue product so far. Now the 49ers get another chance. Still a 7-7 game with about a half-quarter left until halftime.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:55 pm ET · Cody Benjamin]

Call it a mixed bag for Trey Lance on that drive. He was crucial in getting San Francisco to the red zone, but the end-zone pass probably should've been a pick by Duke Shelley. He's now 6 of 8 for 44 yards and a TD.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:54 pm ET · Cody Benjamin]

Some nice improvisation from Trey Lance as the 49ers punch it in to knot it up at 7-7. He steps up and threatens to scramble before making a late check across his body for a first down. But he enjoys a bit of luck on the actual TD, firing one into the end zone in the face of a free rusher, only to see the ball ricochet off a would-be interceptor and into the arms of Ross Dwelley.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:45 pm ET · Cody Benjamin]

Don't look now (and insert all the "it's preseason" context you must), but the Raiders are moving comfortably with Aidan O'Connell and Zamir White as the offensive focal points. Good news, at least, for the young depth in Josh McDaniels' lineup. 49ers do get a critical fourth-and-1 stop to stall Las Vegas' latest drive, however.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:40 pm ET · Brett Anderson]

It's been a tough one for Trey Lance so far, as 49ers managed just one total yard in the first quarter with no first downs. Meanwhile, the Raiders have totaled 90 yards. Lance went 2 of 4 in the first quarter.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:39 pm ET · Cody Benjamin]

Brian Hoyer is the most experienced Raiders arm in terms of years of NFL service, but it's not out of the question to think Aidan O'Connell could play his way into the No. 2 role behind Jimmy Garoppolo. Not hard to envision a scenario where Jimmy G has to exit this season, and in that case, it might behoove Josh McDaniels and Co. to see what they have in the younger guy anyway.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:23 pm ET · Brett Anderson]

The Raiders don't have Josh Jacobs, but they didn't appear to be lacking at RB on their first possession Sunday. The Raiders ran the ball eight times -- seven by Zamir White for 28 yards -- and White got it in the end zone from the 1. Rookie QB Aidan O'Connell threw just two passes but completed both for 36 yards as Las Vegas takes the early lead.