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

STHfrontrow wrote: Fri Nov 13, 2026 9:41 am 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 Mendoza has to prove himself first.
Typically rookies see extra pressure, can he survive that to make successful downfield throws?
If he can, then sure it will help.
We still don't have an ideal oline, so that will add to the difficulty of success.

Not at first is my guess. Teams are going to make him prove to them that he has command of the passing game so they will load up to stop the running game.

If he can soften the defense, then yea. But that will not happen in the first game

No one knows for sure. What he can do that Kirk couldn't is scramble, run and move around in the pocket. He has a stronger arm so hopefully he can make some plays down the field. Curious to see if there's designed roll outs, bootlegs or direct runs now we have a qb who's more mobile and willing to use his legs as an option

I've wondered that myself. I'd like to see a bomb 60 yards downfield play #1. Completed or not, it gives the D something to think about. That used to be the Raider way.

Attyla wrote: Fri Nov 13, 2026 10:22 am Not at first is my guess. Teams are going to make him prove to them that he has command of the passing game so they will load up to stop the running game.

If he can soften the defense, then yea. But that will not happen in the first game

Agreed. Defenses are first going to clamp down on the run game and short passing game, because they'll expect Kubiak to ease Mendoza in and get the ball out of his hands quickly. Ultimately it's up to the Raiders and Mendoza to convince teams to use more resources down the field.

Amish Cabal wrote: Fri Nov 13, 2026 10:27 am I've wondered that myself. I'd like to see a bomb 60 yards downfield play #1. Completed or not, it gives the D something to think about. That used to be the Raider way.

It has crossed my mind more than once that Mendos first play will be a bomb attempt

STHfrontrow wrote: Fri Nov 13, 2026 9:41 am 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

If his passing game is sound and he is a threat to go deeper than Cousins, I suspect that helps the running game.

However if you are asking because Mendo may be a running threat, I would suggest that improves our passing game as the D would need to keep a spy close to the line to watch Mendo which is one less defender on Bowers or any of the other WRs?

I expect to see a lot more roll outs to extend the play

The Seahawks interior DLine will have Linderbaum, RG and Burford for lunch Sunday. I can't see our run game improving much, even with a couple early 50 yard bombs.

Tush Push every play for the win.

I think it will. He gives our offense an element of QB mobility. Prior defensive coordinators with our earlier opponents did not have to account for that with Cousins taking the snaps. If Mendoza picks up a few first downs and moves the chains then that is an improvement. If he gains 25-30 yards with his feet, that's an improvement.

Also rookie QB's tend to tuck and run more until the games slows down for them.

Mendoza will have more yards that both our backs.

Nothing makes a defense crazier than a QB that runs wild.

Watch him on 3rd downs.

50 yards for the rook...

Rabidraider wrote: Fri Nov 13, 2026 12:34 pm Mendoza will have more yards that both our backs.

Nothing makes a defense crazier than a QB that runs wild.

Watch him on 3rd downs.

50 yards for the rook...

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".

I will repost in the correct thread.

I may be reading the room wrong, but I feel like the intent of the OP's question was not so much about a QB who can run but rather if the running backs' performance would improve. Again, I could be wrong.

With that, I think they are going to load the box and make Mendoza prove he can run the entire offense as in passes beyond the safety net 5-7 yards. And do I think our RBs will be improved? I honestly don't, at least not at first. I think they will get stuffed and Mendoza is going to need to find the secret sauce that can propel the offense like Cousins had to do because we were ineffective running the ball.