Question marks raised by Fernando Mendoza after latest loss cast doubt on choice made by Tom Brady and prove Klint Kubiak right
The rookie struggled again as Kubiak suggested he still needs more time before taking over
The Raiders don't have to say Fernando Mendoza is headed for the bench to make the picture clear as Thursday’s preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers did that for them.
Kirk Cousins opened the game, moved Las Vegas into scoring position on both of his possessions and avoided the kind of mistake that can cost a quarterback a starting job.
Mendoza followed with a much more uneven night, finishing 7 of 14 for 57 yards while throwing his second interception in as many preseason games.
Coach Klint Kubiak ’s comments afterward may have said more than any depth chart could.
“He needs another three preseason games,” Kubiak said of Mendoza. “All those rookies do. And now that the season’s starting, the practice reps get smaller and that’s just life. But, as coaches, we got to get them ready to play, keep developing them.”
That's hardly the language of a coach preparing to hand over the offense immediately. The Raiders brought in Cousins this offseason in large part to give Mendoza time, and Thursday reinforced why.
Cousins completed 8 of 11 passes for 51 yards and led two field-goal drives. He wasn't spectacular, but he was controlled and mistake-free.
Mendoza had a rougher assignment once Las Vegas turned increasingly to its backups.
Protection broke down, he was sacked twice and the offense struggled to generate anything consistently. His interception also came on a high throw intended for Jalen Nailor that still reached the receiver’s hands before being tipped into the arms of Tatum Bethune .
It wasn't entirely on Mendoza , but the result added to the evidence that he is still adapting to NFL speed and decision-making.
Mendoza understands why patience may be necessary
The rookie was candid afterward about the difficulty of the transition.
“The NFL is really tough, you know,” Mendoza said. “There is a big jump going from college to the NFL, and the speed in, there’s so many different aspects.”
He also made clear he would take as many developmental opportunities as possible.
“I would love unlimited games for development,” Mendoza said. “There are always struggles. It’s not always sunshine, sunshines and rainbows.”
Cousins , meanwhile, refused to claim the job publicly.
“It’s just up to coach,” Cousins said. “You just do the best you can with the opportunities you’re given, lead as well as you can, compete.”
The Raiders may still wait before announcing anything formally. But with the regular-season opener approaching, Thursday looked less like the continuation of a quarterback competition and more like confirmation of the original plan.
