Fernando Mendoza embraces 'once-in-a-lifetime' chance as Raiders' QB1, credits Kirk Cousins' mentorship
Fox News • • sports
Key Points:
- Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will make his first NFL regular-season start for the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, following the trade of veteran Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings.
- Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL Draft, has spent the season learning and practicing behind Cousins, gaining confidence and trust from teammates and coach Klint Kubiak.
- Raiders teammates, including tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Tre Tucker, express strong support and optimism for Mendoza’s ability to handle the pressures of starting.
- The trade of Kirk Cousins to the Vikings was unexpected for Mendoza, who viewed Cousins as a mentor and acknowledged the business nature of the NFL.
- Cousins served as a bridge quarterback for the Raiders, helping improve the team’s performance early in the season before his trade, finishing with 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in nine starts.
