Raiderstation

Curious to see if our running game will improve with Mendoza under center. Seems teams won't be able to just stack the box knowing that Cousins was really no danger to run.

You higher IQ football guys how do you think Seattle (and other defenses) are going to adjust against the Raiders with a new QB under center?

Will the running game improve?

Discuss

I think he will but its not happening against the #1 rated pass defense and #4 rated rush defense this week.

Xramfan wrote: Fri Nov 13, 2026 12:37 pm I sure hope not. I dont mind him running for a couple or few first downs when nobody is open but I dont want him to be a "running QB".

Nor do I. My point was his athleticism and mobility is an element that has been missing from our offense. When there is an added dimension to be accounted for it could potentially help open things up offensively, both run and pass.

I wasn't advocating for Kubiak to install the read option. Mendoza just gives DC's a completely different look than Cousins.

Xramfan wrote: Fri Nov 13, 2026 12:37 pm I sure hope not. I dont mind him running for a couple or few first downs when nobody is open but I dont want him to be a "running QB".

That's exactly what I want to see too. We don't need him running wild but I would like to see him gash the other team for failing to account for him.

DanKD wrote: Fri Nov 13, 2026 5:04 pm I think he will but its not happening against the #1 rated pass defense and #4 rated rush defense this week.

No doubt it's a tall order. The potential X factor being Kubiak's familiarity with both Seattle's scheme and personnel. Of course that can work both ways.