By Jeremy Kahn

AP photo: Oakland Raiders running back George Atkinson III (34) breaks a tackle by the Arizona Cardinals Cariel Brooks (35) late in the third quarter as the Raiders take a 24-10 lead at the University of Phoenix in Glendale AZ

Nearly four decades after his father George wore the Silver and Black of the Oakland Raiders, George Atkinson III is trying to make a name for himself.

Atkinson III carried the ball seven times and gained 97 yards with two touchdowns, as the Raiders won their preseason opener in a convincing fashion defeating the Arizona Cardinals 31-10 at The University of Phoenix Stadium.

The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish standout scored on a 53-yard run in the third quarter to lengthen the Raiders up to 24-10, and then closed out the scoring with a 35-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Derek Carr went 3-for-7 for 44 yards in limited action for the Raiders before giving way to backup Matt McGloin.

The Cardinals got on the board first, as Chandler Catanzaro kicked a 25-yard field goal with 7:17 remaining in the first quarter.

Sebastian Janikowski, who is entering his 17th season with the Raiders tied up the game on the Raiders next possession, as he nailed a 53-yard field goal.

McGloin used his arm on the next two possessions, as he found Clive Walford from 19 yards out with 1:13 remaining and then after getting the ball back after a Cardinals turnover, McGloin found Andre Holmes from 10 yards to give the Raiders a 14-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington cut the Raiders lead down to 17-10 in the second quarter, as he scored from five yards out.

That would be as close as the Cardinals would get, as Atkinson III scored twice to seal the exhibition opening victory for the Raiders.

McGloin went 5-for-11 for 41 yards and two touchdowns, while rookie Connor Cook went 7-for-11 for 71 yards in his exhibition debut.

DeAndre Washington carried the ball eight times for 43 yards, while Latavius Murray carried the four times for 21 yards in limited action. Jamize Olawale gained seven yards on three carries, while Marcel Reese, who will miss the first four games of the regular season due to a league mandated suspension, carried the ball one time for negative two yards.

Marvin Hall led the Raiders in receptions with three catches and 17 yards, while Holmes, Nathan Palmer and Michael Crabtree each caught two passes on the evening.

The Raiders defense was led by Korey Toomer, who had nine tackles, while James Cowser, Cory James and Leon Orr each picked up five tackles for the Raiders.