Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that the team plans to give all three quarterbacks—Kirk Cousins, Aidan O’Connell, and Fernando Mendoza—reps with the first-team offense during the preseason. This decision comes despite a notable performance from rookie Mendoza in his professional debut.
"That’s something that we’re talking about as a coaching staff right now," Kubiak said, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "Whether it’s Aidan O’Connell, Kirk [Cousins], or Fernando, all three of those guys deserve first-team reps."
Mendoza took over first-team duties after Cousins led the initial drive of the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Cousins completed 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards and a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer.
Mendoza then entered the game and completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jack Bech in the final three minutes of the second quarter. "He went out and executed the way that he does in practice," Kubiak commented. "Some guys get to the game, and things change on them, and they move fast and freak out. He was the opposite."
Throughout the week leading up to the game, Mendoza primarily practiced with the second-team offense. However, he did receive some first-team reps on Saturday after Cousins was held out of practice due to an altercation with defensive end Maxx Crosby.
O’Connell's performance after Mendoza saw him complete 4 of 13 passes for 85 yards. Following the game, Mendoza reflected on his performance, stating, "The NFL is a different level. And I felt that tonight, and I have a lot to grow from."
Kubiak acknowledged Mendoza's self-criticism, adding, "The best quarterbacks I’ve been around are the ones that are hard on themselves... I think he played good football last night."