Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will make his starting debut on Sunday at home against the Seattle Seahawks as he becomes the team’s full-time starter in wake of Kirk Cousins’ trade to the Minnesota Vikings this week.
Here are some things to keep an eye on:
He needs help:
The Raiders’ offense is averaging 26.4 points a game this season, which is the fifth most in the NFL. But Cousins was a vital part of it. The Raiders’ offensive line needs to protect Mendoza, the running game needs to improve
and his receivers must make strides. Mendoza could develop a nice relationship with Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor on deep routes since he has a better arm than Cousins. But everyone must raise their game, including the Raiders’ defense which is allowing 29.7 points a game, the worst in the league. The rookie will need help.
Will young receiver get a chance?
Sixth-round pick, Malik Benson, was a healthy scratch the past to weeks after having just two catches on nine targets in the first seven games of the season. Benson and Mendoza built a nice chemistry in training camp and in the preseason. Perhaps the Raiders will give him another chance soon.
Reserve judgement:
Mendoza is being thrown into the starting lineup with games against the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns before the bye. Those are some tough defenses. This will be a process and he needs time to grow. Expect to see him be a different quarterback at the end of the season than in the next couple of weeks. Be prepared for growing pains.
