HENDERSON, Nev. — The future of the Las Vegas Raiders officially begins Sunday, and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza understands the magnitude of the moment. After spending the first half of the season learning behind veteran Kirk Cousins, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is preparing to make his first career start against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
For the 23-year-old quarterback, the opportunity represents the realization of a lifelong dream. However, Mendoza isn’t allowing the excitement surrounding his debut to distract him from the responsibility of leading an NFL offense.
He described becoming the Raiders’ starting quarterback as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity while emphasizing the importance of remaining focused on preparation.
“I’m a lot more confident as a quarterback and feel more developed, whether it’s playing under center, connecting with teammates, understanding an NFL scheme,” Mendoza told reporters Wednesday.
“There are so many areas that I have improved on, and I look forward to keep on improving.” With Cousins traded to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday, Mendoza is no longer the quarterback of the future. He’s the quarterback of the present.
Klint Kubiak Has No Plans to Limit Mendoza’s Playbook
Despite Mendoza’s lack of regular-season starting experience, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has expressed confidence in his rookie quarterback’s preparation.
Kubiak believes Mendoza has approached his development professionally since arriving in Las Vegas and is ready to handle the responsibilities that come with leading the offense.
More importantly, the Raiders aren’t planning to simplify their offensive system simply because a rookie will be under center. Kubiak said the coaching staff will not be “peeling back anything” from the playbook.
“We’re going to go do what the whole team does best, all 11, and then he does his part distributing the football,” Kubiak said.
The decision speaks to the trust Mendoza has earned throughout the season. Rather than dramatically changing the offensive approach, Kubiak intends to rely on the preparation Mendoza has accumulated while working behind Cousins.
For a franchise attempting to establish long-term stability at quarterback, that confidence represents an encouraging starting point.
Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker Believe in Their Rookie Quarterback
Mendoza won’t enter Sunday’s matchup without support from his teammates. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers expressed excitement about the opportunity to see Mendoza take command of the offense.
Bowers understands that the transition from college football to the NFL can be challenging, particularly against a defense as talented as Seattle’s. However, he believes Mendoza possesses the mentality necessary to overcome mistakes.
“Everyone has faith in him,” Bowers said. “[Mendoza] might have a bad play here and there, but you just got to flush it. I know he does a good job at that.” Wide receiver Tre Tucker offered similar praise, highlighting Mendoza’s consistency and ability to make impressive throws during practice.
“We’ve been seeing it all year,” Tucker said. “He’s been taking reps with us. He’s been doing everything, and you just see a throw in practice and say, ‘Wow.'”
Tucker also described Wednesday’s practice with Mendoza running the first-team offense as a positive experience. “For that to be out there this Sunday is going to be fun,” Tucker added.
That confidence from his teammates could prove important as Mendoza prepares for the biggest challenge of his young career.
Seattle Presents a Difficult First Test
Mendoza’s first NFL start will come against one of the league’s most formidable defensive units. The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks enter the matchup allowing an NFL-low 244.2 total yards per game.
Seattle is also tied for fourth in scoring defense, surrendering just 18 points per contest. Those numbers illustrate the difficulty of Mendoza’s assignment.
The rookie will be tasked with recognizing defensive coverages, handling pressure and making quick decisions against a championship-caliber opponent. For the Raiders, protecting Mendoza and establishing offensive balance will be essential.
Bowers figures to play a significant role as a reliable receiving option, while Tucker’s speed could help create opportunities downfield. However, the responsibility cannot fall entirely on Mendoza.
The offensive line, running game and receiving corps will need to contribute if Las Vegas hopes to challenge Seattle. Sunday’s matchup will provide an early indication of how effectively Mendoza can translate his preparation into regular-season performance.
Mendoza Reflects on Cousins’ Mentorship
While Mendoza is excited about becoming the starter, the departure of Cousins has created mixed emotions inside the Raiders’ locker room. Las Vegas traded the veteran quarterback to Minnesota in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick, ending his brief tenure with the organization.
Mendoza admitted he had no advance knowledge that a trade was coming. “I had no inkling,” Mendoza said. He recalled learning about the move while inside the team’s locker room.
“People were like, ‘Kirk got traded,’ and everyone just said that’s the nature of the business, and that’s how it is,” Mendoza explained. Despite the unexpected departure, Mendoza expressed appreciation for the relationship he developed with Cousins.
The veteran quarterback welcomed Mendoza into his home, spent considerable time helping him understand the professional game and offered guidance throughout the season.
“To actually be in with him and spend long hours just in the quarterback room with him was extremely special,” Mendoza said. “I’m going to miss him, and I really appreciate and am deeply thankful for everything that the Cousins family has offered to me.”
For a young quarterback adjusting to the demands of the NFL, that mentorship provided an important foundation. Cousins’ influence extended beyond football, helping Mendoza understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with being a professional quarterback.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
