After spending nine weeks behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, rookie Fernando Mendoza is set to make his first start for the Las Vegas Raiders in their Week 10 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has warned that the circumstances could make for a difficult debut.
Gruden pointed to Las Vegas’ struggles on the ground as a major concern. The Raiders are averaging just 2.9 yards per carry, leaving Mendoza with little help from the running game as he prepares to face Seattle. Gruden also noted that the Seahawks’ defense could make it especially challenging for the rookie to rely heavily on his arm.
The team’s rushing numbers support that concern. Las Vegas has gained 642 yards on the ground, ranking second-to-last in total rushing yardage. Those struggles have continued despite the Raiders using the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on running back Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty has averaged 3.2 yards per carry, placing him 38th among 40 qualified running backs. His limited production led the coaching staff to bench him in Week 8 and turn to Mike Washington. Washington has averaged 3.9 yards per carry overall, but his Week 9 outing was difficult: he finished with minus-three yards on six attempts.
That lack of a dependable rushing attack could put added pressure on Mendoza, particularly because the Raiders’ offensive line has also struggled to protect the pocket. The combination of inconsistent blocking and limited ground production leaves the rookie with a challenging assignment against Seattle.
Mendoza arrives in the NFL with an impressive final college season at Indiana. He completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. He also rushed for 276 yards on 90 attempts, an average of 3.1 yards per carry. Those figures offer a snapshot of his college production, but his first professional start will bring a new level of competition and pressure.
Former NFL coach Jay Gruden also described the matchup as a demanding introduction. With Mendoza selected first overall, expectations and attention are likely to be high from the moment he takes the field. Jay Gruden noted that Seattle is a tough opponent for a quarterback making his first start, while pointing to tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer as potential reliable targets.
Using those tight ends could help provide Mendoza with more manageable passing options. Jay Gruden suggested that head coach Klint Kubiak could also use outside-zone runs and play-action bootlegs to create easier situations for the rookie. Those approaches would give the Raiders ways to vary their offense and potentially reduce the pressure on Mendoza to make difficult throws on every possession.
However, the challenge extends beyond the Raiders’ offense. Jon Gruden also expressed concern about the defense, citing its difficulties stopping the run and its record of allowing more than 30 points in six different games. He highlighted a touchdown reception by Christian McCaffrey in the previous week’s game, questioning how the Raiders’ defensive linemen ended up dropping into coverage while McCaffrey was left open.
Seattle’s offensive threats add to the concern. Jay Gruden mentioned the way running back Zach Charbonnet finished the Seahawks’ previous game and said Seattle had begun to get more production from its rushing attack. A stronger ground game could create problems for a Raiders defense that has struggled to stop opponents. Seattle also has wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whom Jay Gruden identified as another difficult matchup for Las Vegas.
Drew Lock is expected to lead the Seahawks at quarterback. Jon Gruden said Lock was not fully healthy and suggested that Jalen Milroe should be ready as well.
For Mendoza, the matchup presents several challenges at once: a struggling offensive line, a low-producing rushing attack and a Seattle opponent capable of testing the Raiders on both sides of the ball. Bowers and Mayer could give him dependable targets, while the Raiders’ offensive approach may be crucial to helping him settle into the game. Even with those options, his first start will be a demanding test against a Seahawks team that the Grudens believe can put pressure on Las Vegas.
