Despite Fernando Mendoza being very impressive with the first-team offense in his professional debut, it appears that could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.
According to Ryan McFadden of ESPN, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said the team plans to get every quarterback reps with the first team.
“That’s something that we’re talking about as a coaching staff right now,” Kubiak said. “Whether it’s Aidan O’Connell, Kirk [Cousins], or Fernando, all three of those guys deserve first-team reps.”
Mendoza’s performance on Thursday night showed why the Raiders selected him with the No.1 pick of the NFL Draft.
Mendoza took over first-team reps with the Raiders after Cousins took the field with the starters to open the game.
Cousins completed 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards on the game’s opening drive, and capped it with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer.
When Mendoza entered the game, the rookie quarterback showed how poised and comfortable he looked on the field by completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to second-year wide receiver Jack Bech, during the final three minutes of the second quarter.
“He went out and executed the way that he does in practice,” Kubiak said. “Some guys get to the game, and things change on them, and they move fast and freak out. He was the opposite.”
Throughout the week leading up to the game, Mendoza primarily practiced alongside the Raiders‘ second-team offense, but did have some reps with the first team on Saturday as Cousins was suspended from practice due to a heated exchange with veteran defensive end Maxx Crosby.
When O’Connell came in for Mendoza, he had a rather disappointing performance under center, completing 4 of 13 passes for 85 yards.
After the game, Mendoza was critical on himself by saying, “The NFL is a different level. And I felt that tonight, and I have a lot to grow from.”
“The best quarterbacks I’ve been around are the ones that are hard on themselves,” said Kubiak. “… I think he played good football last night.”