Fernando Mendozas time coming, but Kirk Cousins must start Raiders opener
Kirk Cousins did not light the world on fire this preseason.He did not seize the Raiders’ starting quarterback job with a collection of spectacular throws or produce overwhelming evidence that he is still the quarterback he was before tearing his Achilles in 2023.He isn’t.The arm strength is not what it once was.
The ball does not always arrive with the same velocity, and the explosive throws that once defined Cousins’ game appear less frequently now.But the Raiders aren’t choosing between Cousins at his peak and Fernando Mendoza.They are choosing between the current version of Cousins and a rookie quarterback who is still learning how to play the position at the NFL level.For now, Cousins is their best option.Klint Kubiak might not be ready to make that declaration.
But I am.Cousins needs to be the Raiders’ starting quarterback when they open the season against the Dolphins on Sept.13.That might not create much excitement among a fan base naturally curious about Mendoza and eager to see the first overall pick begin his career.
But starting Cousins is the responsible move for a team that still has questions throughout its offense.The Raiders have not yet proved they can consistently protect their quarterback.Their wide receivers did little during training camp and the preseason to demonstrate that they can regularly create separation or generate explosive plays.
The game plans were vanilla, certainly, but the lack of playmaking from that group became too persistent to ignore.Neither situation is especially conducive to supporting a rookie quarterback.Mendoza flashed plenty of qualities that should excite the Raiders.He showed poise, toughness and the ability to work through his progressions.
He also experienced the inevitable rookie moments that reminded everyone why the transition from college football to the NFL can be so difficult.“I’m happy with where he’s at,” Kubiak said.“But we just got to keep pushing him to be better.”Mendoza und...