Yahoo Sports NFL on Fernando Mendoza
From the article
The Las Vegas Raiders should stick to the plan in place with Fernando Mendoza. Kirk Cousins was brought in to start at quarterback and allow Mendoza to sit until he's ready. Throughout the preseason, Mendoza has shown he is the real deal; he has also struggled with what he has around him.
STACKED’s take
Mendoza should sit behind Cousins until Raiders' O-line and receivers develop.
Mendoza should remain on the bench behind Kirk Cousins despite showing he is 'the real deal' during preseason; the Raiders' offensive line and receiving corps are not ready to support a rookie quarterback. Pass protection has been inconsistent with the complete starting line taking the field for only three preseason series, and Mendoza has yet to take a snap with center Tyler Linderbaum or left tackle Kolton Miller providing blindside protection. None of the Raiders' receivers have been a 'wide receiver one' since high school, with Tre Tucker showing the best production but still not generating consistent separation. Head coach Klint Kubiak has called out the entire receiving corps for taking a step back. Mendoza has demonstrated the ability to work through progressions and find open receivers when given time, but the lack of separation and pass protection would hinder his development if rushed into action.
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