Raiders latest 49ers debacle raises two questions that could shape their future

Another Sunday, another reality check for the Raiders in.their 38-17 loss to the 49ers.And at some point, somebody in that building is going to have to decide how many more of these they need before they give Fernando Mendoza the ball.At 4-5, the Raiders are mathematically alive in the playoff race.

There’s merit in sticking with Kirk Cousins as long as coach Klint Kubiak believes the veteran gives them their best chance to win.Try telling the guys in that locker room, some of whom might never get a better shot at the playoffs, that next year takes precedence over the game they have to play this week.But nine games give you a pretty good idea of who the Raiders are.

They beat the teams they should beat, which qualifies as progress.They gave the Chiefs and Bills all they could handle.

They also lost both games, and the Patriots, Rams and 49ers gave them a pretty good look at how much ground they still have to cover.Right now, there are more teams on the schedule capable of exposing those shortcomings than there are teams the Raiders can count on beating.The Seahawks and Broncos get the next two cracks at them.Which brings us back to Mendoza.

The Raiders used the first overall pick on him because they expect him to be their quarterback for years.Every start he gets this season gives him something he can take into the offseason, and it gives Kubiak a better idea of what his young quarterback needs from him.How far do the Raiders have to fall before those starts are worth more than whatever chance the standings say they still have?Two observations:Too many turnoversFor all the trouble the Raiders had slowing down the 49ers on Sunday, their defense at least gave them a chance.

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