Everyone knew it was only a matter of time before Fernando Mendoza became the Raiders’ starting quarterback, but the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft said Wednesday that it caught him by surprise when he learned the time had come. While many people speculated that Kirk Cousins would be traded to the Vikings before Tuesday’s deadline, Mendoza said he had “no idea” that a trade was coming before learning that Cousins would be returning to one of his former teams. Mendoza thanked Cousins for his mentorship on and off the field several times during a news conference and said that relationship has made him believe he can be successful leading the offense in Las Vegas. Mendoza described moving into the starting lineup as “a new step,” but doesn’t consider it a whirlwind because of the work he’s put in since joining the team. “I’m a lot more confident as a quarterback and I feel more developed, whether it’s under center, connecting with my teammates, understanding the NFL scheme,” Mendoza said. “There are so many areas where I have improved, and I hope to continue to improve because there is still a lot of work to do.” The next chapter of work will begin against the Seahawks this weekend and facing the defending champions won’t be an easy way to start his life as a starter, but it will be a good way to learn what Mendoza will face as he tries to grow as an NFL quarterback.
