The Las Vegas Raiders have traded quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings, opening the door for rookie Fernando Mendoza to take over as the starter. The No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner will make his first regular-season start at home—but he faces a formidable challenge against the Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle’s defense, led by Mike Macdonald, allows fewer yards per play than any other NFL unit and gives up the fewest first downs in the league. Former Raiders defensive back and NFL.com writer Bucky Brooks outlined three priorities Mendoza should focus on in his debut.
## Control the Pace
With Cousins at quarterback, Las Vegas averaged 26.4 points per game, the eighth-highest total in the NFL. The offense produced despite lacking a strong rushing attack and a No. 1 wide receiver. Brooks said Mendoza does not need to immediately run the offense exactly as his predecessor did, but he must keep it on schedule through sound decisions, leadership, and awareness of the situation.
Mendoza will need to manage each play from the snap through the whistle, helping the offense maintain its rhythm and move the chains. Head coach Klint Kubiak emphasizes a strong pre-snap operation, which can help the rookie read the defense and prepare for Seattle’s adjustments. Kubiak’s previous experience as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator also gives him familiarity with the defense.
## Protect the Ball
Seattle is capable of creating turnovers, and its pressure rate deserves attention. The Seahawks have recorded 22 sacks and generate pressure on 27% of pass plays, a challenge that can force a young quarterback into uncomfortable situations.
Brooks’ advice is for Mendoza to stay composed and avoid trying to make a spectacular play when a simpler decision will do. Risky throws—such as passing across his body over the middle, forcing the ball into double coverage, or attempting to throw while being tackled—could stall the offense and disrupt its cohesion.
## Move On From Each Play
As a former defensive back, Brooks knows the value of a short memory. Mendoza will need to focus on the current play rather than letting a mistake or a success affect his next decision. Brooks recommends that the rookie follow a checklist and stay focused on the process instead of the result.
Mendoza has shown he can respond in a high-pressure moment. In the national championship game, with Indiana facing fourth-and-four and holding a three-point lead, he ran up the middle and dove toward the end zone while absorbing several hits. The play helped give his team breathing room.
The Seahawks will be ready for Mendoza, and his first NFL start will test his composure, decision-making, and ability to stay on schedule. A disciplined performance would give the Raiders’ rookie an opportunity to show why the team selected him first overall.
