The Las Vegas Raiders hired Klint Kubiak after a disappointing tenure under former head coach Pete Carroll. Nine games into Kubiak’s first season, the team is still below .500 heading into Week 10, but the first-year coach has made a positive impression and helped spark a change in the team’s culture.
Now Kubiak faces a significant challenge: turning to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza after the Raiders traded veteran Kirk Cousins. Former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has enthusiastically welcomed the change, expressing excitement about Mendoza taking over as the starter.
“Fernando! It’s the year of Fernando Mendoza,” Gruden said. “That song by ABBA is going to be playing all over stadiums, and Fernando is going to take over.”
The Raiders’ fan base is eager to see what Mendoza can do as the team’s starting quarterback. So far, his opportunities have been limited to the NFL preseason and a brief appearance during a blowout loss to the New England Patriots. Still, Mendoza showed flashes of promise, appearing poised and focused despite the pressure that comes with being a top draft pick for a franchise that has struggled to find success with quarterbacks selected that high.
## Kubiak Says Mendoza Is Prepared to Face Seattle
Mendoza’s first game as the starter will be a demanding test. The Indiana University product is set to face the Seattle Seahawks, Kubiak’s former team and the defending Super Bowl champions, who have one of the league’s top defenses.
“He’s prepared,” Kubiak said of Mendoza. “His daily preparation has been up to standard, and now he’s got to go prove it in the game.”
Mendoza called the matchup a “great challenge,” noting the strength of Seattle’s defense and the team’s championship status.
“They’re a very impressive team,” Mendoza said. “They’re one of the best defenses in the league, so it’s going to be a great challenge, and I’m excited to do my 111th out there.”
The game will offer an early indication of how ready Mendoza is to lead the Raiders as their starting quarterback.
