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Fernando Mendoza

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Raiders Must Start Mendoza Sooner, Not Later
sports1 month ago

Raiders Must Start Mendoza Sooner, Not Later

An opinion piece argues the Raiders should begin the season with Kirk Cousins for stability, but Fernando Mendoza must be the QB2 and start immediately once a playoff run becomes unlikely. Mendoza needs real NFL reps, protection calls, and game-time pressure to prove whether he can be the franchise QB by 2027, rather than being sheltered to wait for 2027. The article notes Klint Kubiak’s openness to O’Connell as backup and warns against delaying Mendoza’s development out of fear, citing that early, supported play has produced successful rookies in other franchises.

Cousins Named Raiders Week 1 Starter Over No. 1 Pick Mendoza
sports1 month ago

Cousins Named Raiders Week 1 Starter Over No. 1 Pick Mendoza

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak named Kirk Cousins the Week 1 starter over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, who will back him up as he develops after a mixed preseason. Cousins earned the job by leading in first-team reps and camp performance, while Mendoza showed inconsistency and needs more time to adjust to NFL speed. Mendoza becoming the first No. 1 overall QB since Baker Mayfield not to start Week 1 highlights a careful development plan for the rookie as Las Vegas faces a challenging early schedule.

Cousins to Start Week 1 for Raiders, Mendoza Remains on the Bench
sports1 month ago

Cousins to Start Week 1 for Raiders, Mendoza Remains on the Bench

Kirk Cousins will start for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza serving as his backup as the team prioritizes developing the rookie. Coach Klint Kubiak noted Mendoza’s continued development and that Cousins earned the opener after a strong offseason, with Aidan O’Connell also in the mix as insurance. Brady reportedly spoke with the Raiders leadership during the decision, and the plan is for Mendoza to gain experience later in the season as the team pivots toward a long-term QB timeline.

Next Wave of QBs: 10 Candidates Poised for a Mendoza-Style Breakout
college-football1 month ago

Next Wave of QBs: 10 Candidates Poised for a Mendoza-Style Breakout

Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde profiles 10 quarterbacks who could replicate Fernando Mendoza’s meteoric rise, focusing on Arch Manning and transfers like Josh Hoover, Gunner Stockton, Conner Weigman, Austin Simmons, Kevin Jennings, Katin Houser, Ethan Grunkemeyer, John Mateer and Alberto Mendoza, and outlining the key improvements they must make—accuracy, fewer interceptions, more downfield plays, and better decision‑making—to spark a Mendoza Leap this season.

Mendoza on hold: Kubiak says three more preseason games before Raiders pick Week 1 QB
around-the-nfl1 month ago

Mendoza on hold: Kubiak says three more preseason games before Raiders pick Week 1 QB

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak again declined to name a Week 1 quarterback, saying Fernando Mendoza still needs three preseason games as he learns Kubiak’s offense; Mendoza went 7-of-14 for 57 yards with an interception and two sacks in the 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers, underscoring the developmental path and the likelihood that veteran Kirk Cousins could start Week 1 if Mendoza isn’t ready.

Mendoza Emerges as Raiders’ Week 1 Contender in a Preseason QB Fallout
sports1 month ago

Mendoza Emerges as Raiders’ Week 1 Contender in a Preseason QB Fallout

In this NFL quarterback notebook, the author argues Fernando Mendoza should start for the Raiders, praising his advanced reads, poise, and willingness to push beyond the scheme in a challenging preseason; Mendoza’s footwork quirks are noted but his mental acuity and live reps make him ready for NFL action. The piece also weighs Rams backup QB options, favoring Stetson Bennett for a steadier floor and Ty Simpson for upside, and cautions against overreacting to Drew Allar’s hype. It ends with quick takes on several QBs across the league, including a provocative Falcons scenario for Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., Jordan Love’s MVP odds, Geno Smith’s clean pocket, Anthony Richardson’s development, and Joe Milton as an intriguing preseason watch.

Nix Shines for Broncos; Mendoza Struggles in Week 2 Preseason
sports1 month ago

Nix Shines for Broncos; Mendoza Struggles in Week 2 Preseason

Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason featured Bo Nix sparking the Broncos’ offense, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling continuing a historic breakout for the 49ers, and Geno Smith delivering a clean, productive showing with the Jets after his rough 2025 season. In contrast, first overall pick Fernando Mendoza struggled in his Texans debut, getting overwhelmed by a strong Houston defense that produced an 80-yard pick-six and an early sack. The Jets also benefited from multiple takeaways, while rookies like Kayden McDonald and Wade Woodaz flashed on defense for Houston, and special-teams produced notable moments (including Jacob Cowing’s 83-yard punt return TD).

Cousins Seizes Early Lead in Raiders' QB Showdown Ahead of Week 1
sports1 month ago

Cousins Seizes Early Lead in Raiders' QB Showdown Ahead of Week 1

Kirk Cousins retains the edge over rookie Fernando Mendoza in the Raiders’ quarterback competition, with coach Klint Kubiak noting it’s Cousins’ job to lose. Cousins led first-team reps and delivered solid-but-not-perfect plays in camp and the preseason, while Mendoza showed flashes but struggled, keeping the veteran on track to start Week 1 versus the Dolphins as the competition continues into the final preseason game.