Raiders hand starting quarterback role to Fernando Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders named rookie Fernando Mendoza their starting quarterback after Kirk Cousins was traded to Minnesota. His first start is scheduled against Seattle on Sunday. General manager John Spytek and coach Klint Kubiak linked the decision to his development and preparation, with Spytek stressing that the change does not mean giving up on the current season.
Sports··Midday
Mendoza's first start is set for Seattle
Fernando Mendoza will become the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback after Kirk Cousins' trade to the Minnesota Vikings. The rookie's first start is scheduled at home against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. General manager John Spytek and coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the decision, moving Mendoza from his backup role into responsibility for leading the offence.[1], [2]
Spytek said the opportunity reflected work Mendoza had put in since entering the organisation. He pointed to growth as a person, teammate, leader and quarterback in explaining a decision he described as difficult. He also stressed that trading Cousins did not mean abandoning the current season in order to concentrate on the next one.[1]
Preparation continued while Mendoza waited
Kubiak said Mendoza exceeded expectations in practice while waiting behind Cousins. During games the rookie kept his helmet on and stood beside quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan. He repeated the play calls coming through his helmet headset, continuing to rehearse the offence even though another quarterback was taking the snaps on the field.[1]
His work also extended into late sessions on the team's indoor practice field, where he went through the game plan. Kubiak highlighted improvement in accuracy, command of the offence and control of the huddle. He also noted Mendoza's progress in handling the two-minute situations that require the offence to operate with little time remaining.[1]
Cousins' influence carries into the change
The Raiders had originally planned to start Cousins and give Mendoza time to develop. Management had discussed that approach with the rookie during his predraft interview. Kubiak said Cousins' influence would remain with Mendoza and the team throughout the season, even after the veteran's departure changed who would lead the offence each week.[1]
Kubiak described Mendoza as ready mentally as well as physically. On Tuesday the rookie was already at the facility studying for the coming game. Spytek said his practice performances had become impossible to ignore. The announced handover now gives Mendoza his first scheduled opportunity to put that preparation into a starting assignment against Seattle.[1]
