Despite head coach Klint Kubiak officially naming quarterback Kirk Cousins as the Week 1 starter, Las Vegas Raiders fans might soon already be clamoring for rookie Fernando Mendoza.
Cousins will start at quarterback for the Raiders in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, Kubiak confirmed Wednesday. That pushes Mendoza to the bench to open his NFL career. Kubiak praised Cousins’ offseason and camp performance, saying he’s “earned it.” He declined to say whether Mendoza will see the field at all this season.
The move isn’t a surprise given the Raiders’ stated philosophy. General manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady have both signaled a preference for letting rookie quarterbacks develop behind a veteran. They would rather avoid throwing them into the fire immediately. Spytek praised Mendoza’s work ethic and accuracy. However, he was clear that “his time is coming, but he’s got to earn it every day.”
The decision also makes financial and roster sense: Cousins signed a two-year deal this offseason after his release from Atlanta, and starting him protects that investment while keeping Mendoza’s rookie clock, and the pressure that comes with it, on hold. Kubiak’s prior relationship with Cousins from their Minnesota years, where he coached him for two seasons and coordinated the offense for another, likely reinforced the continuity argument for Week 1.
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How long will Raiders fans wait?
That patience may not last long in the court of public opinion. Cousins was benched in Atlanta during his time there, and Raiders fans have already seen that movie before. The moment he throws a couple of costly interceptions or the offense stalls in the red zone, expect the “start Mendoza” chants to get loud. That’ll be regardless of what the front office’s development plan says.
Given Cousins’ uneven finish in Atlanta and his history of being benched when a rookie outperformed him, don’t be surprised if this “bridge starter” plan quietly shortens. That could happen if Mendoza looks ready in practice reps or Cousins struggles early. The Brady, Rodgers and Mahomes development path only holds if the veteran keeps winning.
Do you think the Raiders are right to sit Mendoza behind Cousins? Or should the rookie be competing for snaps from Day 1?
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