Kirk Cousins Named Raiders' QB1 Over Fernando Mendoza for NFL Week 1 vs. Dolphins
Bleacher Report • • sports
Key Points:
- Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will start over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.
- This decision ends a streak of six straight No. 1 overall draft quarterbacks starting on opening day, with Mendoza beginning the season as Cousins' backup.
- Kubiak emphasized that Mendoza will continue developing through extra practice, meetings, and contributing on the look team, aiming to improve alongside his teammates.
- Cousins, signed to a five-year, $172 million contract with a fully guaranteed $20 million first year, is viewed as a bridge quarterback before Mendoza takes over in the future.
- The Raiders, not expected to contend for a playoff spot this season, plan to eventually give Mendoza game experience while he learns from Cousins early in his rookie year.
