Fernando Mendoza takes big step towards being Raiders' starting quarterback originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It's only a matter of time before Fernando Mendoza takes over as the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback, or at least that's the plan. Of course, in the NFL, the plan doesn't always end up being what actually happens, so this could go either way.
For now, the Raiders are relying on veteran Kirk Cousins to get their season off to the right start. But, on Tuesday, Mendoza took one step closer to being the Raiders' starting quarterback during training camp.
During the Raiders' joint practice with the Houston Texans, Mendoza got extensive first-team reps. That means the rookie worked with the starters for the first time in a session.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak wanted Fernando Mendoza to go up against a tough defense
Head coach Klint Kubiak says this was a calculated opportunity for Mendoza. He wanted to give the rookie the experience of playing against stronger players.
“I wanted to see him going against the Texans’ ones,” Kubiak said after practice. “That was our plan all along. I thought he did some good things. I look forward to watching the tape. But just he and his teammates, all these young guys that we’re playing, we’ve got to get them up to speed real quick.”
The opportunity comes after Mendoza impressed in his NFL debut. During the team's preseason-opening game against the Arizona Cardinals, the quarterback completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.
Since the Texans had the No. 1-ranked defense in yardage allowed last season, this was a good exercise for Mendoza. It's training like this that can help accelerate his introduction to the NFL.