Raiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starting quarterback, Fernando Mendoza will begin career as backup
The Las Vegas Raiders have named veteran Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback for Week 1, opting to keep rookie Fernando Mendoza as a backup. The team's leadership emphasized a developmental approach, citing successful precedents for sitting rookie quarterbacks.
Why it matters
This decision reflects a broader strategic debate in the NFL regarding the development of young quarterbacks versus the immediate need for veteran stability.
Mendoza-Mania will not be coming to Las Vegas just yet. Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced Wednesday that the team is naming Kirk Cousins its Week 1 starting quarterback against the Miami Dolphins, meaning Fernando Mendoza will begin his career as a backup. "(Cousins has) played really good football, I’m really happy with all three of (the) quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp, and he’s earned it," Kubiak told reporters. When asked if he expects Mendoza to play at all this year, Kubiak deflected the question and said the team is focused on the Dolphins. Raiders general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady have been advocates about letting a rookie develop behind a veteran quarterback, which makes the team's decision to roll with Cousins unsurprising.
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