Gutierrez: Raiders long-term plan comes to fruition with insertion of Fernando Mendoza at quarterback
Raiders.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Raiders owner Mark Davis announced that rookie Fernando Mendoza will start as the team's quarterback following the trade of Kirk Cousins to the Vikings, marking a significant moment for the franchise's future.
- Davis emphasized that the plan was always for Mendoza to eventually take over as starter after learning from veteran Cousins, who served as a mentor and culture-changer during his time with the Raiders.
- Despite moving on from Cousins, who ranked second in the NFL in touchdown passes, the Raiders' management insists this move does not mean the team is giving up on the current season or focusing solely on long-term rebuilding.
- Teammates like tight end Brock Bowers expressed strong support for Mendoza, highlighting his decision-making and skills shown in practice as reasons for optimism.
- The Raiders face a tough test with the upcoming game against the Super Bowl champion Seahawks, making Mendoza's debut a pivotal moment in the team's history and future trajectory.
