After a week of joint practices, this week’s preseason matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans turned out to be a rather low-key event.
Most of the starters for both teams sat out after getting plenty of reps during the week. However, several Raiders players in the game are expected to see significant playing time once the regular season begins, and their presence spoke volumes. The preseason contest also offered a good opportunity to take a long look at some of the rookies.
Here’s a closer look at how they performed.
We have seen enough of Fernando Mendoza… with the 2’s
It is clear the Raiders plan to bring the rookie quarterback along slowly, which makes it crucial to maximize his preseason reps. This week, Mendoza got the entire first half, and the results were up and down. The former Heisman winner had a couple of impressive throws under pressure but also threw an ugly pick-six—though he was playing under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Mendoza spent much of the half just trying not to get killed. He was playing behind the Raiders’ second-team offensive line. At this point, it’s fair to ask a question. What is he actually getting out of playing behind this group?
That’s not to say he should start right away. But shelving him for the preseason finale might be the better move. The alternative is having him play directly behind Jordan “the Human Turnstile” Meredith. All that will do is help him develop bad habits.
Maybe the Raiders want to see the rookie one more time in live action. If so, they should give him a series or two with the starting offensive line in the finale. That way, he gets one last live look before he’s parked on the sideline for the regular-season opener. If the plan is to rest the starters again, Mendoza should be included in that group. Let Aidan O’Connell play tackling dummy instead.
Speaking of the starters, there was a clear message being sent to those who did see significant action this week.
Wide receiver and cornerback are still unsettled
Only three projected starters played this week, and their identities told us a lot. On defense, cornerback Darien Porter appears to be the only player still fighting for a spot. He did not have a great night, which included giving up a big third-and-eleven pass to Jared Wayne, a depth receiver fighting for a roster spot. The door is clearly open for rookies Hezekiah Masses and Jermod McCoy to work their way into the starting lineup, but neither did himself any favors. Masses’ size continues to be a major limitation, while McCoy canceled out the one nice play he had with a costly taunting penalty.
On offense, wide receiver Tre Tucker got the night off while Jack Bech and Jalen Nailor both played in the first quarter. Bech did not get targeted and played only a handful of snaps. Nailor, though, had a nice grab on a great anticipation throw from Mendoza. The pair appear to be fighting for playing time with rookie Malik Benson, who has impressed in camp. Benson continued to display sharp route-running and earned five targets, but he came away with only one catch, as drops were an issue. His smaller stature seems to be a factor at the catch point, making it difficult for him to ward off defenders closing in from behind.
Of all the rookies, one clearly has earned more consideration for a starting job.
Related: Klint Kubiak won’t commit to a starting QB for Week 1 just yet
Treydan Stukes deserves a shot to start
The Arizona rookie looks better each week. Stukes continues to fly around the field and had another productive night, recording several tackles, including one for a loss. The young defensive back also looked solid in coverage. Stukes is proving to be a potentially useful chess piece that defensive coordinator Rob Leonard could deploy all over the field.
Still, the rookie currently sits behind Isaiah Pola-Mao on the depth chart. Pola-Mao finally got the chance to start full time last season and struggled mightily—perhaps a byproduct of the Pete Carroll effect. The former USC safety likely will get a chance to redeem himself to open the season. But if his struggles continue, Stukes has given the coaching staff every reason not to hesitate in making a change.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images