How Kirk Cousins limitations will speed up Fernando Mendoza arrival

The Raiders can win games with Kirk Cousins doing exactly what he did on Sunday.They just have to ask themselves how many.And how much of Klint Kubiak’s offense remains available if their quarterback cannot consistently threaten defenses beyond the underneath passing game?That is the question tucked inside an otherwise encouraging season opener, and it could eventually determine how quickly Fernando Mendoza moves from the sideline to the huddle.Maybe even sooner than anyone originally envisioned.Cousins delivered three touchdown passes against the Dolphins, offering a reminder that experience, anticipation and an understanding of where the football should go still count for something.But another set of numbers deserves attention.On throws traveling 10 or more yards downfield, Cousins completed one of seven passes for 21 yards and two interceptions.One completion.Two passes caught by the other team.That doesn’t erase everything he did well.

But it does raise a question the Raiders cannot afford to dismiss simply because they won.How much of the field can Cousins still force a defense to respect?Asked Monday whether the Raiders need a more effective downfield passing game, Klint Kubiak needed just one word.“Yes.”The need is clear.Whether Cousins can meet it is another matter.And if he cannot, how long before the Raiders turn to Mendoza, who is 16 years younger and has a considerably stronger arm?Cousins was tremendous in the shorter passing game, completing 20 of 22 throws for 139 yards and all three touchdowns.

Those are winning numbers, and there is nothing inherently wrong with taking an efficient route to the end zone.Kubiak can build around that.His offense can manufacture space, create favorable matchups and put the football in the hands of players capable of turning modest throws into meaningful gains.Ashton Jeanty can do damage that way.

So can Michael Mayer.Eventually, Brock Bowers will rejoin that conversation.But there is a difference between ch...