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Raiders Keep QB Job Open as Mendoza’s Early Work Draws Praise and Pushback

Coaches keep the Week 1 job open to show a patient plan for their top pick.

Overview

  • Head coach Klint Kubiak said he is not close to naming a starter, with Kirk Cousins, Aidan O’Connell and Fernando Mendoza sharing practice reps.
  • Fernando Mendoza is learning an under-center, play-action system and has taken 25 to 50 extra snaps at the team hotel to sharpen his footwork.
  • Practice clips from rookie camp and OTAs drew buzz, including a reporter noting a sharp spin move and deep-ball placement.
  • ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and Pat McAfee praised Mendoza’s pre-snap processing, tight spirals and mobility during McAfee’s show.
  • Former Jets scout Daniel Kelly criticized edited highlight reels and compared Mendoza unfavorably to Carson Beck, and veteran receiver Phillip Dorsett replied that teams routinely post only positive clips.