The Las Vegas Raiders have been selling a positive storyline when it comes to the development of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, but now the story is shifting over to reality mode.
According to a camp update from Ryan McFadden of ESPN, Mendoza presented what the writer called his worst performance of training camp, as the defense was overpowering throughout the morning.
Reports had Mendoza pegged as a strong-armed QB who could make all the throws, but he underthrew a deep pass to reciever Malik Benson, and cornerback Decamerion Richardson was able to deflect the pass. The two-minue drill featured Mendoza and the second team making a mess with pre-snap penalties, which prompted a timeout from coach Klint Kubiak and the insertion of the third-stringers.
Mendoza also threw his first interception of training camp in the 7-on-7 drills, as defensive back Greedy Vance jumped the route and picked off a ball intended for Phillip Dorsett II.
The offense did make a few plays, but they came from quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell. Cousins connected with tight end Brock Bowers on several plays in the middle of the field, which is expected to be a stable of the Raiders offense this season.
Rookie running back Roman Hemby also had what McFadden called a nice run up the middle, and O’Connell had the play of the day, according to the writer, as he threw a touchdown pass to receiver E.J. Williams Jr.
But the defense had the upper hand throughout the day, which hints at the underlying problems with the offensive line. Linebacker Quay Walker and second-year defensive tackle JJ Pegues each had a sack, and defensive end Maxx Crosby spent his day being a “force” against the run as he blew up tackle DJ Glaze.
Defensive tackled Keyron Crawford chipped in with a run stop as well as running back Ashton Jeanty had a tough day facing a familiar problem.
None of this is unexpected, of course. We’ve heard nothing but positives about Mendoza from the moment he was drafted, but there’s a big difference between saying the right things and getting it done on the field.
The reference point is Kubiak’s comment that he wants an “adult in the room” to start at quarterback in Week 1, and at this point there’s virtually no doubt that that will be Cousins, and it sounds like O’Connell could be first in line to handle the primary backup role.
