Although most expect Cousins to open the season as the starter, head coach Klint Kubiak has repeatedly avoided definitive answers about the quarterback situation. In the most recent preseason game, Mendoza faced the starting defense long enough to struggle against San Francisco’s pressure, finishing 7 of 14 for 57 yards with an interception and two sacks taken. After the game, Kubiak addressed Mendoza’s performance, highlighting areas for improvement.
Offensively, there were no points scored in Mendoza’s outing, and Kubiak noted there were multiple plays that could have changed the result. He emphasized that Mendoza needs more work and that all rookies deserve additional preseason reps. As the season approaches and practice reps thin, the coaching staff’s job is to accelerate Mendoza’s development while continuing to evaluate other quarterback options.
Kubiak stressed that Mendoza’s continued growth is valuable, given that he’s learning from observing veterans like Cousins and other quarterbacks in practice. He acknowledged the realities of the NFL, recognizing that the path for a young quarterback is challenging but essential for the player’s development. Mendoza himself remains optimistic, focusing on learning from each experience and using pressure as a catalyst for improvement.
Looking ahead, the Raiders will continue to balance opportunities for Mendoza with the need to prepare the entire roster for the regular season. The coaching staff intends to maximize development while also giving the team the best chance to win once games count. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the quarterback competition unfolds as the season opener approaches.
