4 Keys for Fernando Mendoza's Second Preseason Game

Mendoza has taken first-team snaps just twice during training camp, but one of those days was Tuesday during a joint practice with the Texans.

Head coach Klint Kubiak said the plan all along was to get Mendoza snaps against another team’s first-team defense. However, Kubiak didn’t give Mendoza those snaps in the preseason game with Arizona.

The Texans are expected to rest their defensive starters for tonight’s games, so Mendoza won’t get a chance to face an opponent’s top defense. But there would still be value in playing Mendoza with the Raiders’ starting offense. So far, Mendoza has gotten very limited chances to throw to Brock Bowers or be protected by Tyler Linderbaum and Kolton Miller.

Pressure Test on the Offensive Line

Part of the Raiders’ offensive flaws come along the offensive line. At Tuesday’s joint practice, the Texans’ defense caved in the Raiders’ offensive line, so much so that Kirk Cousins was annoyed at how often his arm was getting hit.

With the Texans’ starters sidelined, the Raiders should hold up in pass protection much better. But the offensive line is still a problem. Can Mendoza navigate that pressure and still make plays?

Taking a quarterback with the first pick of the draft indicates an expectation that he will hide some of the roster’s flaws. While Mendoza isn’t expected to make an offensive line look better immediately, he will need to overcome shortcomings in his career to make the Raiders legitimate contenders. 

Chemistry With Malik Benson 

Throughout camp, wide receiver Malik Benson has flashed for teammates and coaches. He’s been good enough that he could push Jack Bech for snaps as the third wide receiver. 

Benson has done all of that with Mendoza throwing him the ball. 

The two have connected on the second-team offense better than any other duo. Will that carry over to a preseason game? Benson was targeted four times in the preseason opener, he caught two of those passes for 26 yards, including Mendoza’s most impressive throw of the game.

Mendoza Faces Red Zone Redemption

During joint practice, Mendoza threw an interception in a red-zone drill. Mendoza said he thought the safety was deeper than he actually was and tried to hit Ashton Jeanty on a crossing route. The ball was picked off and went the other way for a touchdown.

Mendoza has been lauded for his resiliency this preseason. The coaching staff has mainly asked him to show growth by not making the same mistake twice. If Mendoza ends up passing in the red zone in this game, how will he fare reading the Houston defense after his mistake on Tuesday?