Fernando Mendoza has received an update regarding the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback position following his preseason debut. While head coach Klint Kubiak acknowledged Mendoza’s encouraging performance, he confirmed that veteran Kirk Cousins remains the team’s primary signal-caller. Mendoza, the Raiders’ top draft pick, saw his first NFL action in a preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals, with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady in attendance.
Mendoza’s Preseason Debut and Coach’s Assessment
Mendoza, a highly touted former college star, entered the game against the Cardinals after Kirk Cousins had already led the offense. Cousins completed 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown before Mendoza took the field. The rookie quarterback finished his outing by completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and throwing his first career NFL touchdown to fellow rookie Jack Bech. This marked Mendoza’s initial appearance in a Raiders uniform in a live game scenario.
Following the game, Kubiak shared his thoughts on Mendoza’s performance. “He led a good scoring drive,” Kubiak stated. “As far as getting in and out of the huddle, commanding the group, getting the play calls down, I saw the same guy I see in practice. I saw an ascending player who’s got to keep getting better.” Kubiak emphasized that while Mendoza showed promise, the team is taking a measured approach with the 22-year-old quarterback.
Cousins Holds Onto Starting Role
Despite Mendoza’s potential and the excitement surrounding his arrival, Kirk Cousins is firmly entrenched as the Raiders’ starting quarterback. The team signed the veteran to a significant contract, structured as a one-year, fully guaranteed $20 million deal with team options for subsequent seasons. This financial commitment underscores the team’s intention for Cousins to lead the offense.
Kubiak reiterated that Cousins entered training camp with the starting job and that nothing has changed this status. “Kirk’s been getting the reps with the ones. I think he’s had a solid training camp and it’s his job to lose,” Kubiak explained. Cousins’s performance in the preseason opener, though brief, further solidified his position as the incumbent starter.
Mendoza’s Self-Critique and Brady’s Influence
While his coach offered a positive outlook, Fernando Mendoza was notably critical of his own performance. “Unfortunately, I let my teammates down today,” Mendoza admitted. “But it’s a growing experience. I feel like we’re all growing and it helped me show that I need to grow a lot.” He expressed a strong commitment to reviewing game film to identify areas for improvement, stating, “I have nothing else to do tonight.”
Mendoza’s dedication and self-awareness have been noted by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. “He did a great job,” Cousins said of Mendoza’s debut. “He moved the football, he scored points, gave us a chance to score points and operated well.”
The influence of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady on Mendoza’s journey is significant. Brady, who was present at the preseason game, has been an advocate for the young quarterback. Before the draft, Brady praised Mendoza’s leadership qualities, stating, “I love everything about his game. His leadership is what stands out. His relatability to his teammates. He’s overcome a lot of things in his career.” Brady specifically highlighted Mendoza’s resilience and his ability to lead a program that had struggled historically.
Mendoza himself has spoken about the advice he’s received from Brady. He shared that Brady emphasizes the importance of making decisions with the ultimate goal of serving teammates and maximizing his potential as a quarterback. “Making sure you’re making all those decisions to the North Star and to best serve your teammates and to become the best quarterback you can become in order to help the team,” Mendoza recounted.
Looking Ahead for the Raiders’ Quarterback Room
The Raiders’ quarterback situation reflects a common strategy in the NFL: developing a high-potential rookie while relying on a proven veteran for immediate success. Kirk Cousins’s experience and contract provide stability for the upcoming season, while Fernando Mendoza’s development is viewed as a long-term investment.
Mendoza’s performance, though just a single preseason game, offered a glimpse into his capabilities and potential. His ability to lead a scoring drive and connect for a touchdown demonstrates the skills that made him a top draft selection. However, as Kubiak and Mendoza himself acknowledge, there is still a significant learning curve ahead.
The dynamic between Cousins and Mendoza will be closely watched throughout the season. While Cousins is expected to start, Mendoza’s continued progress in practice and any future game opportunities will be crucial for his development and the team’s future planning. The presence of Tom Brady as a minority owner adds another layer of interest, as his insights and guidance could play a role in shaping the young quarterback’s career.
Ultimately, the Raiders are prioritizing a balanced approach, ensuring they have a capable veteran leading the team while nurturing the talent of their promising rookie quarterback. Mendoza’s journey in the NFL has just begun, and his dedication to improvement, coupled with the support from the organization and influential figures like Brady, suggests a potentially bright future.
