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Raiders Praise Rookie Mendoza’s Curious Offense, Back Cousins Week 1

5/20/2026

Summary

Mendoza Impresses Raiders

Raiders say rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 first-overall pick, impresses coaches with relentless offense questioning.
Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko calls Mendoza a “sponge” who seeks the “whys” of every play, forcing staff to reevaluate approaches.
Raiders view him as the long-term franchise quarterback while planning he will sit behind veteran Kirk Cousins in Week 1 versus Miami.

Summary

Mendoza Leads Rebuild

Klint Kubiak and Andrew Janocko arrived to rebuild the Raiders’ offense around the No. 1 pick.
The Raiders drafted Mendoza to spearhead a new offensive identity while retaining veteran Kirk Cousins as starter.
Phase 3 OTAs began on May 19, giving Mendoza his first look at the revamped playbook.
Hall of Famer Warren Moon said Mendoza may earn playing time around the season’s midway point.

Summary

Mendoza Begins Phase-3

Phase 3 of the Raiders’ offseason began on May 19, launching a week of activities for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Voluntary sessions this week permit only non-contact drills.
Teams may run 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, giving Mendoza exposure to reduced-team and full-team scenarios.
Coaches are teaching Mendoza fundamentals such as under-center snaps and play-action passes, with the intensity of these reps expected to shape his readiness for his first regular-season year.

History

Historical Context

Ken Stabler entered the Raiders as a second-round pick in the 1968 draft, spent 1968-69 on the taxi squad, and became Daryle Lamonica’s backup before taking the starting role in 1973. He guided Oakland to its first Super Bowl win in January 1977. The 2026 selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza to learn behind Kirk Cousins echoes that same apprenticeship model.

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Mendoza Impresses Raiders

Raiders say rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 first-overall pick, impresses coaches with relentless offense questioning.
Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko calls Mendoza a “sponge” who seeks the “whys” of every play, forcing staff to reevaluate approaches.
Raiders view him as the long-term franchise quarterback while planning he will sit behind veteran Kirk Cousins in Week 1 versus Miami.

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