Fernando Mendoza is already doing what you just don’t see the new era of quarterbacks doing, and his coaches are noticing it
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza, and they’re already seeing why it was the obvious pick.
There is a reason the Las Vegas Raiders were so deadset on taking Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall. Okay, outside of the fact that they really needed a franchise quarterback and have for some time. They saw all of the intangibles he had to go along with the tangibles. That alone was enough.
Sure, him being a Heisman winner and a National Champion in the same season definitely helps. But, his mind, the way he works, and the relentless pursuit of being great are what sold the Raiders. Why? Well, that’s how minority owner Tom Brady was. He’s the greatest of all time, and he got that way by everything he did intangibly. Brady was old school, and did things the way QBs used to. And now we are hearing similar things about Mendoza again. This time, he’s doing things that QBs just don’t do anymore.
Raiders QB coach Mike Sullivan compliments Fernando Mendoza and his preparation
“Well, he’s a very diligent, tireless worker,” QB coach Mike Sullivan said. “Everything that has been said, that’s been portrayed, as far as the type of young man he is, is true. He’s someone who really loves the process. One of the things that he did was, we had discussions about the OTAs about every single pass that he threw and to evaluate and write up every pass play and what the progression was, the footwork and then his own critique of where he fell short or where he felt he did good. Just to go through that process, very voluminous, old school.
“Didn’t have the neatest handwriting, but I appreciated him doing that. I said ‘maybe you could type this next time.’ But he went through that process and he’s someone that I think a lot of his confidence comes from the preparation and the type of time and effort that he puts in. And again, the whole room is very collaborative and everyone’s working to help each other. And that’s why it’s been such a great blessing to be a part of this.”
On Saturday, Mendoza finally got his first reps with the starters. Sure, it felt more like a given, type of thing rather than an earned, type of thing. Kirk Cousins was benched during team periods for his scuffle with Maxx Crosby. Meanwhile, Mendoza did earn that spot, because if he hadn’t, third-string quarterback Aiden O’Connell would have been getting starter reps. And, we saw O’Connell as the second-stringer to start the offseason, so that’s not to say that wouldn’t have happened.
So far, Mendoza is doing literally everything right. He’s practicing well, he’s having tough moments to show that he is human. And after those tough moments, he’s fixing whatever mistake he made. If he makes a mistake, it doesn’t happen twice. The mental side of things are standing out in a major way, too. Now, it’s just a matter of time until he’s the guy.
