Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 3

Fitzpatrick Backs Fernando Mendoza for Raiders QB1 as Kirk Cousins Remains Week 1 Favorite

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 3

Fitzpatrick Backs Fernando Mendoza for Raiders QB1 as Kirk Cousins Remains Week 1 Favorite

Q: What hidden brilliance did Fitzpatrick spot in Mendoza that made him dismiss the rookie's glaring preseason turnovers?

Fitzpatrick appeared to be looking past the turnovers and focusing on Mendoza’s quarterback traits that translate long term: poise, processing and high-end throw-making. What likely sold him was Mendoza’s ability to attack tight windows and operate the offense with unusual calm for a rookie. In the preseason, Mendoza flashed several difficult completions, including a touchdown to Jack Bech and a 19-yard throw to Malik Benson split between multiple defenders. Coaches and evaluators also noted encouraging signs in his footwork, command of the huddle, progression reading and comfort under center, which was significant because that was an adjustment from his college background. That helps explain why Fitzpatrick could dismiss the mistakes. The pick-six and other rough moments were obvious, but they looked more like rookie errors within an otherwise promising profile than evidence Mendoza cannot play. The broader context mattered too: Mendoza had already been earning more trust in camp, moved up to second-team work, and had a college track record of protecting the ball despite the preseason interceptions. So the “hidden brilliance” was not one magical play. It was the combination Fitzpatrick saw on film and in-game: Mendoza processing quickly, delivering NFL-caliber throws into tight coverage, showing composure, and improving within a pro-style structure. To Fitzpatrick, those are the harder traits to teach, and they outweighed the preseason turnovers.

1 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 3

Ryan Fitzpatrick said he is “ALL IN” on Fernando Mendoza being ready now for the Raiders’ starting quarterback job, breaking from the broader view that the rookie is not there yet.
Mendoza’s preseason tape drove that endorsement: Fitzpatrick argued the same flashes others saw as incomplete were enough to justify giving him the QB1 role.
Kirk Cousins still appears to be the safer immediate choice in much of the outside discussion, leaving Fitzpatrick’s stance as a clear counterview in the Raiders’ quarterback debate.