Sunday the Raiders took the field with something to prove. Not just in the macro sense coming off being the worst team in football, but in the micro sense to show they could still put a proficient offense on the field despite being without their top offensive weapon.
I am, of course, speaking of All Pro TE Brock Bowers, who missed the game after having a procedure done on his meniscus this week.
Shortly after that news came out, the Raiders set about securing the other half of their strong tight end room by keeping Michael Mayer in a Raiders uniform for the next four years on a three-year extension.
Then Mayer went out and showed the team that believed in him that he was deserving.
“We're really proud to have Mike and to have him back for a long
time," said head coach Klint Kubiak. "When you get rewarded the second contract as a draft pick with an organization, that's a big deal. And he's very deserving of that. He’s been extremely physical throughout camp, doesn't miss practice, accountable, and sets a standard. And that's just what we've come to expect from him.”
Hours after the organization that drafted him showed their commitment to him, the offense ran through him. Mayer led the team with seven targets and tied for the team lead with six catches. This included two first down catches on the team's opening touchdown drive. And he also played a big role in teammate Ashton Jeanty going for 102 yards on the ground.
“They're obviously putting a big investment in me and I felt like I played good today," said Mayer. "I feel like I need to do a lot better. . . So I'm gonna keep my head down, I'm gonna keep working hard, and I'm gonna do whatever I need to do for this team and to help them win."
So far, so good. And now he can go through the rest of this season knowing he will be part of the long term rebuild instead of worrying whether he's playing for a future elsewhere.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Michael Mayer shows his worth fresh off 'big investment' from Raiders
