Raiders' New Era: Fernando Mendoza Takes QB1 Role!

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Sporting Tribune Today

Raiders Turn to Fernando Mendoza as Their New QB1

Fernando Mendoza should step into the QB1 role for the Raiders. Facing Seattle and Mike McDonald would throw him into the fire, but that is the point of the trade: the Raiders need to see what their young quarterback can do.

The move allows the organization to evaluate its future after establishing the character and identity it wants under Kubiak. Regardless of the results, playing Mendoza is a positive because the Raiders will learn about his strengths and weaknesses. They can then use the pick acquired from Minnesota to help him improve.

This does not appear to be a situation in which a revolving door will eventually sink the quarterback taken number one. The Raiders seem to have a plan and were prepared to follow it throughout the season. When this offer emerged, they took it and created an opportunity to show why Mendoza had spent time developing behind Kirk Cousins.

Cousins was a strong match for Mendoza because their games are similar. Mendoza was described as “Kirk Cousins 4.0,” with more athleticism, better mobility and a stronger arm. Cousins also played well during his prime and as a rookie, providing Mendoza with a useful model.

Mendoza could give the Raiders a reinvigorated fight regardless of the opponent. Kubiak is expected to protect him, potentially leaning heavily on the running game as Mendoza adjusts to starting.

The Raiders also had to recognize their current position. After beginning 3-0, they fell to 4-6 and moved further away from the playoffs. A stronger record would have changed the decision, but the recent losses made this the right time to turn to Mendoza.

He has already had the opportunity to sit behind a quarterback who represents the type of smart, effective player the Raiders want him to become. Now they can let Mendoza play for the rest of the season, evaluate what they have and determine the next steps. Given that opportunity and the additional draft pick from Minnesota, the Raiders may have won the trade by a wide margin.