The Las Vegas Raiders waited nine games before turning to Fernando Mendoza, keeping Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback despite a four-game losing streak. The team later decided to trade Cousins for a draft pick, clearing the way for Mendoza to take over.
The timing brings a tough challenge: Las Vegas is set to face the Seattle Seahawks, who have the NFL’s top-ranked passing defense. Still, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Raiders personnel had repeatedly described Mendoza as ready to play. The team had not kept him on the bench because it believed he was unprepared.
Mendoza spent much of the spring learning the details of Klint Kubiak’s offense, including its play-action concepts and footwork. In the months that followed, he earned practice reps and performed well. The Raiders expect a rookie to make mistakes, but believe Mendoza’s mobility, ability to throw on the run, and stronger arm could create more big plays.
## Tyler Linderbaum Praises Mendoza’s Work Ethic
Cousins had played well, and the Raiders entered the change with the league’s eighth-best scoring offense. With a defense ranked among the NFL’s weakest, Mendoza will need to help sustain the team’s scoring pace if Las Vegas hopes to win games.
Starting center Tyler Linderbaum expressed confidence in the rookie, pointing to his work ethic, desire to improve, and the experienced mentors around him. “He’s ready. We’re ready,” Linderbaum said.
## Mendoza Has Improved Consistently
The transition from college to the NFL can be demanding, particularly for a quarterback, which made the Raiders’ gradual approach to Mendoza’s development significant. Quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan said Mendoza’s command of the offense has steadily improved, including his understanding of reads, pre-snap communication, footwork, huddle calls, and communication at the line of scrimmage.
