Klint Kubiak speaks out about rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s first real struggles at training camp
The Las Vegas Raiders are ready for Fernando Mendoza to be the franchise guy, but he may not be ready yet.
The Las Vegas Raiders have been holding training camp for the last week or so. On Monday, they put pads on for the first time. When the pads came on, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza had his first struggles of camp.
And, he didn’t even have a bad day. To be honest, he had a fine day. There were moments where he did very well. He had some really nice throws, and some that were not so nice in 1-on-1s, passes that should have been completed. But it’s important to remember that he’s a rookie. This is his first training camp. If he wasn’t having some down moments, you would likely be even more concerned. I’ll tell you one thing: the Raiders aren’t concerned.
“There’s 60 to 80 plays in a game, and there’s going to be ups and downs,” Klint Kubiak told reporters on Monday. “So, what quarterback can get the rest of the other 10 players playing at their best? That’s what we’re looking for. There will never be a perfect game or a perfect practice. I think he’s doing a good job. I don’t expect him to be perfect right now.”
Raiders can take their time with Fernando Mendoza this season
Getting Kirk Cousins was so crucial of a move for the Raiders this offseason. Sure, Mendoza could probably play right away. But how ready would he be? Do you really want to burn his confidence that early by throwing him into the fire? No. So, they went and got a veteran QB who can still play. They went and got a guy who is perfectly fine with being mentored by Mendoza.
Cousins has won some big-time games in his career. He’s been in the league for a while. And, based on the two quarterbacks’ personalities, he’s the perfect mentor. The two are very similar in the way they act and the way they play. The Raiders have a plan, and so far, it seems like the right plan.
