Home · Sports · Sep 6 archive
Kirk Cousins and No 1 pick Fernando Mendoza give Raiders bettors some hope in the upcoming year
Confirmed
In Short: This year, optimism reigns for the Raiders as they have new pieces that could prove that its endless rebuilding phase is drawing to a close and that a fresh era in Sin City is underway, according to reports.
With the signing of four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins and the drafting of top quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders aim to turn their fortunes around after finishing dead last in the division with a 3–14 record in 2025.
Kirk Cousins just looks more efficient and comfortable executing Klint Kubiak's offense, as one could argue he has all preseason, according to Just Blog Baby.
Despite Mendoza's efforts, the Raiders have named Cousins as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season, with Mendoza set to start his career on the bench, according to Silver And Black Pride.
What's confirmed
- Had it been Bowers, Mayer or Tucker locating that pass, the Raiders would have been celebrating a touchdown.
- But again, Bowers is bringing that in, and even Kubiak told reporters both before and after watching the film that Nailor has to make the play there, absolving Mendoza of blame.
- Any lingering hope that fans had of Fernando Mendoza being the Las Vegas Raiders' Week 1 starter surely evaporated during Thursday night's preseason finale.
- Mendoza ostensibly got reps with the first-team offense against the San Francisco 49ers, with the caveat being that he didn't have Tyler Linderbaum, Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer or Tre Tucker out there.
- Mendoza's QB1 bid came up short, but if we're being honest, it's not entirely his fault.
What's still developing
- This year, optimism reigns for the Raiders as they have new pieces that could prove that its endless rebuilding phase is drawing to a close and that a fresh era in Sin City is underway.
- Robert Griffin III joins Jason McIntyre to discuss Kirk Cousins being named the Las Vegas Raiders’ starter over Fernando Mendoza, and whether or not Jaxson Dart will breakout with the New York Giants this season.
- Las Vegas is the place you go with a lot of hope in your head and in your heart.
- The front office then completely reshaped the quarterback room, making two massive moves: signing four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins in free agency to a multi-year deal, and drafting top quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza with the No.
- That did spell the end of time for Garner Minshew on the roster, but with Cousins and Mendoza, I doubt they will miss him.
- Offensively, the unit gains stability, or at least a veteran and professional presence with Cousins operating behind an upgraded interior offensive line.
- Rookie Fernando Mendoza will start season on bench In what has been expected for months, Kirk Cousins will be the Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback in Week 1 when they host the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
- New Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak made the announcement Wednesday that Cousins and not rookie, No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, will lead the team to start the season.