Kirk Cousins Praises No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza as Raiders Weigh Week 1 Starter

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 21

Cousins said his relationship with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has been "great," describing a collaborative Raiders quarterback room built on mutual learning rather than a simple mentor-rookie hierarchy.
The 38-year-old veteran said Mendoza has adapted quickly, asks sharp questions and even offers lessons of his own — especially on back-shoulder throws that Cousins and Aidan O'Connell have studied.
That dynamic comes as Las Vegas still leans toward Cousins for Week 1: coach Klint Kubiak has called it "his job to lose," and Cousins has handled most first-team reps despite no formal starter announcement.
Cousins also said shared Christian faith helped forge the bond early, noting church was among their first conversations and that faith gives both quarterbacks stability beyond football's ups and downs.
The setup reflects the Raiders' broader plan to pair a 15th-year starter with their quarterback of the future, letting Mendoza develop behind a veteran while Cousins tries to justify the team's belief he still has something left.