Raiders QB timeline could move even faster after Fernando Mendozas performance

HOUSTON — The Raiders have been remarkably consistent about Fernando Mendoza since the day they made him the first overall pick in the NFL draft.He is their future.They also believe there is no reason to unnecessarily rush that future into the present.From minority owner Tom Brady to general manager John Spytek and throughout the organization, the preference has been to give Mendoza something increasingly rare for a quarterback drafted first overall: time.Time to learn an NFL offense.Time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.

Time to experience some of the inevitable growing pains without every mistake potentially affecting the outcome of a regular-season game.That philosophy was a major reason the Raiders signed Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler with more than 44,000 career passing yards, to serve as both a bridge to Mendoza and a legitimate starting quarterback.And it remains the most likely reason Cousins will be behind center when the Raiders open the regular season.Most likely, however, isn’t official.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story And Raiders coach Klint Kubiak apparently isn’t ready to make it so.Asked Thursday night after the Raiders’ preseason win over the Texans whether he was ready to name his starting quarterback, the first-year Raiders coach declined.“We got another week.I don’t want anyone to be comfortable in their job,” Kubiak said.

“It should always be that way for all positions.So, let’s keep going.”Maybe it’s coachspeak.In fact, the smart money remains firmly on Cousins.He has taken most of the first-team work throughout camp, and the Raiders’ organizational preference to bring Mendoza along patiently hasn’t suddenly disappeared.But when Kubiak was presented Thursday night with...