Fernando Mendoza will eventually be the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback. For now, he’s firmly leaning into his apprentice role behind Kirk Cousins.
“I love Star Wars,” Mendoza said to The Athletic’s Michael Silver. “I think it’s like (Cousins is) Master Yoda out there, and I’m trying to get all the information from him. He’s playing at an MVP-caliber level, and him being so receptive to me, and answering all my questions, and looking out for me is super special. He’s stuck his neck out for me and really helped me along the way.”
The Raiders reportedly have no designs on trading Cousins prior to Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. We may be getting closer to the point where the team is ready to make a change under center, though.
Las Vegas has lost five of its last six games. In Sunday’s 38-17 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, Cousins went 22-of-32 for 216 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Examining the QB situation in late October, ESPN’s Ryan McFadden posited Week 14 could be when Mendoza makes his starting debut.
The Raiders are off in the preceding week, so Mendoza would have more time to settle into the role. The team’s schedule gets easier over the final month as well.
The 49ers are allowing the eighth-fewest passing yards in the NFL, so that would’ve been a tough matchup for a rookie quarterback. Prior to the Week 13 bye, Las Vegas also faces off with the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns, who are second and sixth, respectively, in pass defense.
Holding off until Week 14 to start Mendoza would mean pitting him against the winless Los Angeles Chargers. There isn’t a better opportunity for him to get a win and build some confidence.
The No. 1 overall pick is probably eager to finally play some meaningful snaps. Until that happens, he’s satisfied to remain the young padawan.
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