Everyone knew it was only a matter of time before Fernando Mendoza would become the Raiders’ starting quarterback, but the top pick in this year’s draft said Wednesday he was surprised when he learned the time had come.
While many people speculated that Kirk Cousins would be traded to the Vikings before Tuesday’s deadline, Mendoza said he had “no idea” a trade was going to happen until he learned Cousins was returning to one of his former teams. Mendoza thanked Cousins for his mentorship on and off the field multiple times during a news conference and said that relationship gave him belief that he could succeed leading the offense in Las Vegas.
Mendoza described his arrival in the starting lineup as “a new step,” but not one he considers a whirlwind because of the work he’s done since joining the team.
“I’m much more confident as a quarterback and I feel more developed, whether it’s at center, in contact with my teammates, understanding an NFL program,” Mendoza said. “There are so many areas that I have improved in, and I look forward to continuing to improve because there is still a lot of work to do.”
This next chapter of work begins against the Seahawks this weekend and facing the defending champions won’t be an easy way to start life as a starter, but it will be a good way to learn what Mendoza will face as he tries to grow as an NFL quarterback.
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