Raiders Fernando Mendoza has to play at some this season
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- Kirk Cousins should start the season as the Raiders' quarterback due to his veteran experience and understanding of the offense, providing the best immediate chance to win.
- Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders' first overall pick, must play as soon as the team falls out of playoff contention to accelerate his development through real-game experience.
- The Raiders should designate Mendoza as the clear backup quarterback over Aidan O’Connell, ensuring Mendoza gains meaningful playing time if Cousins struggles or is injured.
- Comparisons to Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love are misleading; Mendoza's situation as a first overall pick on a rebuilding team demands a different developmental approach.
- History shows many successful quarterbacks faced early struggles but developed through playing time; the Raiders risk stunting Mendoza's growth by keeping him on the bench too long.
