All articles tagged with #fernando mendoza
The Raiders are easing rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza into the offense, with coach Klint Kubiak saying Mendoza has lived up to expectations—working hard, asking insightful questions, and showing improvement—as the team navigates the QB competition with Kirk Cousins and others.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the Raiders will likely start Kirk Cousins for much of the season and delay Fernando Mendoza’s debut to December, citing a challenging four-road-game November; Mendoza’s first snaps could come around December 13 vs. the Chargers, depending on preseason performance and the offense’s development.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko has been impressed by first-year quarterback Fernando Mendoza, praising his curiosity and willingness to ask ‘why’ behind every play, calling him a sponge-like learner who could push the offense to evolve. Mendoza isn’t guaranteed to start immediately, but his strong start could force early consideration if Kirk Cousins struggles, echoing the Raiders’ history with No. 1 picks like JaMarcus Russell.
Las Vegas’ Klint Kubiak would rather not start rookie Fernando Mendoza Day 1, and the Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins before drafting him No. 1 overall. If Mendoza starts this season, Week 12 against the Browns (following a bye) is a plausible debut date, with openers against the Dolphins and others and no primetime showcase for the team this year.
President Trump said he was not happy that Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza skipped Indiana’s White House visit, noting Mendoza was at spring training and suggesting the absence reflects the broader dynamic of loyalty and public perception in political discourse.
Billionaire Mark Cuban says he provided NIL funds that helped Indiana recruit Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a move that powered the Hoosiers to a national championship. Cuban says he donates without earmarking specifics and leaves the allocation to athletic director Scott Dolson, with undisclosed amounts that have risen this season as IU enjoyed a 16–0 run and Mendoza’s career culminated in an NFL No. 1 pick.
After a brutal season, the Las Vegas Raiders reboot under new offensive-minded head coach Klint Kubiak, drafting Fernando Mendoza first overall and adding Kirk Cousins as a veteran bridge while upgrading the offensive line led by Tyler Linderbaum and Kolton Miller. Mendoza isn’t being rushed but could start Day 1 if ready, with Cousins ready to guide him; the backfield features Ashton Jeanty, the receiving corps includes Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker, and tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer are poised to boost the passing game. The goal is to maximize Mendoza’s development and transform a unit that struggled with scoring and pass protection.
Las Vegas spent a year scouting Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, conducting 11 live exposures, pro day workouts, and in-depth interviews to confirm he was the right No. 1 overall pick, a process highlighted by his size, arm, leadership, and football IQ—backed by observers like Tom Brady during visits—ultimately making Mendoza the Raiders’ franchise quarterback.
Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is adjusting to taking snaps from under center at rookie minicamp, focusing on quicker feet, securing the snap, and faster reads as coaches push the shotgun-to-under-center transition.
No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza says he won’t accompany Indiana on the White House visit, opting to stay for rookie minicamp and Raiders OTAs starting May 18 to prove himself.
Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza says his leadership style mixes high standards with tough talk, admitting he isn’t always a nice guy and sometimes acts as an a-hole to motivate teammates; he believes leadership is earned and aims to restore the Raiders’ glory by pushing players to do their jobs.
Former Raiders icon Tom Flores has blessed No. 15 for the top overall pick Fernando Mendoza, praising his potential and linking the rookie to the franchise’s legacy; Mendoza received the jersey the day after the draft and expressed gratitude for the alumni endorsement, while Flores noted Mendoza’s accuracy and ability.
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will wear No. 15 for the Las Vegas Raiders, receiving a ceremonial blessing from Tom Flores, who wore the number in the past. Flores called Mendoza “perfect” and capable of every throw, noting the number has been worn by several Raiders quarterbacks since his era; the Raiders don’t retire numbers, so Mendoza could wear it for many seasons if he proves to be the real deal.
A behind-the-scenes look at the Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza’s first day in Las Vegas, where his calm, focused demeanor in the broadcast studio and at the facility, plus early interactions with Raiders greats and fans, underscored a leadership mindset and readiness to lead the franchise as he begins his Raiders career.
Fernando Mendoza is portrayed as more than a one-year wonder: his Cal tape showed off-script improvisation, arm talent, and downfield placement, with scouts ranking him the top QB in the 2026 class and pointing to key moments—like a fourth-down conversion to beat Stanford and clutch plays in Indiana—to argue his skill set extends beyond his 2025 Heisman season and could anchor Las Vegas’ future.