The Las Vegas Raiders' rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza turned heads in Thursday's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, but the team is sticking to its guns. Head coach Klint Kubiak made it clear after the game: Kirk Cousins is still the guy under center when the regular season kicks off.
Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick and reigning Heisman Trophy winner, looked sharp in limited action, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in just four drives. But despite the flashes of brilliance, the Raiders are in no rush to hand him the keys to the offense.
"Kirk's been getting the reps with the ones," Kubiak said. "I think he's had a solid training camp and it's his job to lose."
Cousins, the veteran signal-caller, also showed why he's the starter, going 5-of-6 for 50 yards and a touchdown in his own preseason appearance. His experience and command of the offense are exactly what the Raiders want as they look to compete in a tough AFC West.
Mendoza, for his part, isn't complaining. After his debut, he acknowledged there's plenty of room for growth, pointing to his timing and anticipation as areas needing improvement before he can become "the guy" in Vegas.
"It showed me that I need to grow a lot," Mendoza said, via ESPN. "I'm definitely [watching the game film] after this. I have nothing else to do tonight."
The decision to keep Cousins as the starter isn't just about the present—it's a long-term strategy. The Raiders are giving Mendoza time to develop behind a proven veteran, a move that has worked for many franchises. It also avoids the pressure of throwing a rookie into the fire before he's ready, especially given the intensity of the regular season.
Fans got a taste of what the future might hold, but they'll have to wait. The Raiders' next preseason game is Thursday against the Houston Texans, and Mendoza is expected to see more action. But unless something drastic happens, Cousins will be the one leading the offense in Week 1.
This approach mirrors how other teams handle young quarterbacks, as seen with the Chiefs likely to sideline Patrick Mahomes for their preseason opener. It's a patient path that often pays off in the long run.
For now, the Raiders are sticking with their plan, and Mendoza is making the most of every opportunity to learn and grow. The future is bright in Las Vegas, but the present belongs to Cousins.
