Number one pick Fernando Mendoza saw his first regular season action in the Raiders’ blowout loss to the Patriots.
Last season, the Las Vegas Raiders were the worst team in the NFL, and they were rewarded with the number one pick for it. With said selection, the team drafted Fernando Mendoza. The rookie from Indiana is fresh off the first 16-0 collegiate season since the 19th century, and he also won the Heisman Trophy at Indiana.
Given Mendoza’s status as a premier prospect, he should be the immediate face of the Las Vegas franchise. However, the Raiders also brought in a bridge quarterback in the form of Kirk Cousins, and the veteran won the quarterback competition against the rookie. Under Cousins’ center, the Raiders have found success.
The team entered Week 5 with a 3-1 record, making them one of the league’s pleasantest surprises to date. However, they struggled in a big way against the New England Patriots. The team was obliterated by a score of 45-17, and with the loss, Mendoza was thrust into action for the first time.
In limited time in relief, the number one pick went 6-for-8 for 48 yards. While the game was out of hand when Mendoza entered, it was a decent showing for the rookie.
Many fans want Mendoza to be the starter right away, but young QBs learning off the bench for a year or so has proven to be a successful philosophy for teams in the past. Any more brutal losses like this one, though, and Mendoza will be out sooner rather than later.
Last season, the Las Vegas Raiders were the worst team in the NFL, and they were rewarded with the number one pick for it. With said selection, the team drafted Fernando Mendoza. The rookie from Indiana is fresh off the first 16-0 collegiate season since the 19th century, and he also won the Heisman Trophy at Indiana.