Fernando Mendoza faces the biggest challenge of his rookie transition with the Raiders
Photo by David Becker/Getty Images While Fernando Mendoza was the headline pick for Las Vegas, there’s been a quieter addition that might have just as much impact. Free agent running back Alexander Mattison has joined the roster on a one-year deal, following his release from Minnesota earlier this spring. Mattison spent five years with the Vikings, taking over as the starter after Dalvin Cook left.
In his one season in that role, he ran for 700 yards and three touchdowns while also catching three more scores. However, by the end of last season, Ty Chandler had taken over much of Mattison’s workload. Now, with Zamir White set to be the lead back in Las Vegas following Josh Jacobs’ departure to Green Bay, Mattison steps into a backup role once again.
Running backs will need patience behind Kubiak’s early passing Focus Photo by David Becker/Getty Images Mendoza wasn’t ready to become an NFL starter this quickly under normal circumstances. He needs time and patience to build up his confidence while learning Kubiak’s playbook from scratch. Kubiak is likely going to lean heavily on the pass early in the season while Mendoza gets comfortable.
That means backs like White and Mattison may not see consistent touches until later in games when leads need protecting or clocks need managing. Mendoza’s first challenge is physical, not mental Kubiak’s system is built around run action, timing throws and smooth sequencing, so even a small slip-up can throw things off. Mendoza was taken first overall for his college production, but how quickly he adapts to playing on time from a new launch point will determine when the offence starts to click.
“We have a firehose of information coming in at this point,” Mendoza said. “I think the first two steps are huge. Those details are going to separate you in this offense.