Raiders first real test is figuring out how to deal with missing pieces
The Raiders have spent months preparing for what Klint Kubiak’s offense could look like with Brock Bowers at its center.Their first assignment is figuring out what it looks like without him.With Bowers sidelined following minor knee surgery, Sunday’s season opener against the Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium becomes an immediate test of the Raiders’ depth, their new coach’s adaptability and Michael Mayer’s readiness for a moment that feels overdue.The fourth-year tight end was already expected to play a substantial role in an offense built to maximize his position group.Now he moves closer to center stage.Before Bowers became Bowers, Mayer was building his own reputation as one of college football’s elite tight ends at Notre Dame.
He arrived in Las Vegas with the credentials to become a foundational offensive piece, only to have his development and opportunities unfold differently than anticipated.Sunday offers a chance to move that conversation forward.The Raiders do not need Mayer to duplicate everything that makes Bowers special.They need him to turn his own strengths into production: dependable catches, physical work after the reception and the blocking that helps keep Kubiak’s offense versatile.They also need help around him.That starts with a running game expected to provide the foundation for everything Kubiak wants to accomplish.
Ashton Jeanty’s effectiveness following his ankle issue will be an important early measure, while rookie Mike Washington Jr.has a chance to translate preseason promise into meaningful contributions.If the Raiders can consistently gain yards on the ground, they can create manageable situations for Kirk Cousins and make Miami respect the play-action opportunities that follow.If they cannot, Bowers’ absence becomes considerably harder to navigate.Cousins represents the other major piece of the equation.
The Raiders are counting on his experience and familiarity with the offense to bring order to a group learning how t...