Fernando Mendoza is set to make his first regular-season start for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10, when they host the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium on Nov. 15. The 4–5 Raiders will be looking to get back to .500, but Mendoza’s debut will come against the reigning Super Bowl champions and a defense led by head coach Mike Macdonald.
FOX Sports commentator Colin Cowherd expects the rookie quarterback to face a difficult afternoon. Speaking on the Nov. 13 edition of *The Herd*, Cowherd said Mendoza deserves some patience, noting that the matchup could be a “mulligan.” He pointed to Bo Nix’s first game against Seattle, when Nix threw no touchdowns and two interceptions and posted a passer rating in the 60s, despite playing under coach Sean Payton.
Cowherd also noted that no No. 1 overall draft pick had made a first career start against the reigning Super Bowl champions. He described the Seahawks as a tough opponent, adding that their defense can force offenses to put together long drives and limits opportunities for big plays. Cowherd said Seattle’s safeties and cornerbacks are effective blitzers, making the defense especially challenging for a rookie.
He also cited the record of rookie quarterbacks facing teams coached by Macdonald: 0–4, with a combined passer rating of 54. Cowherd cautioned against judging Mendoza too harshly based on his first outing, saying the young quarterback needs time to develop.
## Raiders Believe Mendoza Is Ready
The Raiders, however, believe Mendoza can handle the challenge. NFL insider James Palmer said that people around the team consider the rookie ready to step into the starting role after recent practices. Palmer also reported that Kirk Cousins was supportive of the change and eager to help Mendoza.
Mendoza’s early schedule includes games against the Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, but the Raiders believe he is mentally prepared for the test. Palmer said the team may simplify the playbook, using more bootlegs and rollouts to make use of Mendoza’s athleticism—an important part of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system.
