¿Una reacción impulsiva ante la primera actuación de Fernando Mendoza como Raider?
Será genial ver de qué es capaz con la ofensiva del primer equipo.
No, esto no es una crítica a los jugadores del segundo equipo de los Raiders. Ni mucho menos. Porque, si bien hubo muchos aspectos positivos que destacar del debut en la NFL del número uno del draft en la derrota por 27-14 en el partido de pretemporada del jueves por la noche ante los Cardinals —se mostró sereno en el bolsillo, miró con destreza hacia el campo para aprovechar las oportunidades que se le presentaban y demostró una enorme confianza en su brazo—, lo hizo todo con los suplentes.
Obviamente.
Una vez más, sin menospreciar a sus compañeros, pero ¿qué tal la línea ofensiva en esa serie ofensiva de 10 jugadas y 79 yardas que terminó en touchdown? De izquierda a derecha: Charles Grant, Atonio Mafi, Jordan Meredith, Jackson Powers-Johnson y Trey Zuhn III.
Una buena línea en cuanto a profundidad —excepto JPJ, quien de hecho fue titular.
¿El corredor y el fullback? El novato Mike Washington Jr., quien emocionó a la multitud con una carrera de 53 yardas por el campo durante la serie que terminó en touchdown, y Connor Heyward.
¿Los receptores? El ala cerrada Ian Thomas y los receptores Malik Benson y Jack Bech.
De nuevo, no es una crítica a nadie, pero recuerden: el mejor momento de Mendoza en el campo de entrenamiento fue el día en que Kirk Cousins (y Maxx Crosby) se quedaron fuera y Mendoza subió el nivel con el equipo titular.
¿Tiene sentido? Debería.
Aun así, Mendoza se mostró más que a la altura al relevar a Cousins después de que los titulares jugaran una serie.
¿O acaso te perdiste el pase milimétrico de Mendoza entre tres defensores de los Cardinals en su lanzamiento de 19 yardas a Benson?
¿O tal vez el pase rápido de 6 yardas para un touchdown a Bech en tercera y gol?
"Hoy", dijo Mendoza, "fue una experiencia estimulante".
Y mucho más.
También fue una experiencia de aprendizaje, como debe ser.
"Es el mismo que hemos visto en los entrenamientos", dijo el entrenador de los Raiders, Klint Kubiak. "Es un jugador en ascenso.
"Es un joven que necesita experiencia, necesita oportunidades, y se las vamos a dar".
En total, Mendoza jugó cuatro series, desde finales del primer cuarto hasta principios del cuarto, y completó 10 de 16 pases para 97 yardas, incluyendo el touchdown a Bech, y terminó con un índice de pasador de 100.3. También sufrió una captura innecesaria —su momento de "Bienvenido a la NFL" tras retener el balón demasiado tiempo—, pero se mostró sereno.
"En la primera serie, sentí que todo iba un poco rápido, así que fue bueno volver a la banda y aprender de los errores", dijo Mendoza. "En la segunda serie, logramos anotar. En la tercera serie, no interpreté bien la jugada. Y en la cuarta serie, pensé que teníamos una buena oportunidad, pero, desafortunadamente, fallé un pase al final.
"En general, me pareció que el grupo con el que jugué bloqueó de manera fantástica. Hicieron excelentes rutas. El juego terrestre estuvo bien. Desafortunadamente, hoy les fallé a mis compañeros".
¿Perdón?
"Pero es una experiencia de crecimiento", continuó, "y siento que todos estamos creciendo, y esto me demostró que necesito crecer mucho".
Me parece justo.
Como actual ganador del Trofeo Heisman, campeón nacional y primera selección general del draft, las expectativas son muy altas. Pero a Mendoza también se le está preparando de manera muy cuidadosa y, como dijo Kubiak, el puesto es de Cousins "hasta que lo pierda". Y eso también es justo.
Mendoza cuenta con muchos recursos a su disposición, desde Cousins en la banca —"Es un jugador y una persona muy inteligente y madura", dijo Cousins. "Si acaso, no quiero interponerme en su camino"— hasta Tom Brady en la reunión del equipo la noche anterior.
"Dijo: "No importa qué tan buen jugador hayas sido en la preparatoria o en la universidad, la NFL es otro nivel", relató Mendoza sobre lo que Brady le dijo al equipo.
"Eso lo sentí esta noche"
Especialmente en esa captura, cuando Mendoza se hubiera podido salir con la suya en la universidad si hubiera retenido el balón un instante más.
"Hubo una jugada en la que corrí hacia la derecha y, por lo general, a veces logro llegar al borde del campo, tal vez correr dos o tres yardas", dijo con una risita. "En cambio, fue como: "Vaya, ustedes son un poco más rápidos de lo que pensaba".
"Así que tuve que deshacerme del balón e intentar hacer la jugada más inteligente, para ayudar mejor a mis compañeros. Diría que definitivamente son más rápidos y que golpean más fuerte. Me sorprendió, pero no fue una sorpresa".
Pero es una muestra pequeña. Una que se ampliará con dos partidos de pretemporada más, en Houston y en casa contra los 49ers, además de un entrenamiento conjunto con los Texans.
Como dijo Kubiak, Mendoza necesita práctica, y la va a tener. Y eso no es una reacción impulsiva a su debut; es parte del plan.
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9), tight end Michael Mayer (87) and center Tyler Linderbaum (65) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80), wide receiver Jack Bech (18) and running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) and wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Atonio Mafi (56), tight end Ian Thomas (80), wide receiver Jack Bech (18) and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80), wide receiver Jack Bech (18) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Benito Jones (94) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) and cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Caleb Offord (39) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) and wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Kansei Matsuzawa (38) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devyn Perkins (49) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Roman Hemby (37) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) and linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. (53) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) and tackle Gary Smith III (75) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
