When Fernando Mendoza was drafted No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders back in April, many figured that he would be Las Vegas' Week 1 starting quarterback. Starting top-drafted rookie QBs has become the norm over the past few years, and Mendoza figured to be the next in line to do so.
It's looking like Curt Cignetti was correct to move on from Alberto Mendoza
But shortly after Mendoza was drafted, the Raiders went out and signed Kirk Cousins in free agency. Cousins is a 14-year NFL veteran, and figured to serve as a mentor to Mendoza as he began his NFL career. Then during training camp, Cousins was named as the starter with Mendoza as his back-up to begin the season. Despite being listed as Las Vegas' QB2 on the depth chart, it seemed that the Raiders –– who won 3 games last season –– would give Cousins a go before turning to Mendoza at some point in the season.
That could still happen, but Cousins is thriving through three games of the young season. His early-season success could lead to Mendoza waiting in the wings longer than anticipated.
Kirk Cousins and the Raiders are off to a strong start
The Raiders went 3-14 last season, and entered a new era with head coach Klint Kubiak taking over for Pete Carroll. Las Vegas figured to be in the midst of a lengthy rebuild, but have hit the ground running in 2026 –– and Cousins is a big reason why.
Through three games, Cousins has led the Las Vegas offense to 88 total points, which ranks 9th in the NFL. Cousins has been firmly in control of the offense, and has posted some strong numbers to begin the season. So far, the veteran gunslinger has completed 62 of his 92 pass attempts (67.4% completion percentage) for 661 yards and 9 touchdowns. He's tossed 3 touchdown passes in every game to start the season, and has led the Raiders to a 3-0 record. Thus, Las Vegas had already reached its win total from all of last season.
How about 38-year-old Kirk Cousins?
— Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) September 28, 2026
He’s leading the NFL with 9 TD passes and has the Raiders (3-14 a year ago) off to a 3-0 start. pic.twitter.com/ikISLDIj7I
What makes Cousins' start even more impressive is that he was without superstar TE Brock Bowers for two games. Bowers is undoubtedly Las Vegas' top receiving threat, but Cousins was just fine without him. When Bowers returned in Week 3, he hauled in 10 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown in a 35-27 win over the Saints.
If Cousins keeps this up, he could hold off Mendoza for the starting job longer than originally anticipated. But that may not be a bad thing.
The Raiders aren't rushing Fernando Mendoza's development
While Cousins is shining right now, Mendoza is still Las Vegas' QB of the future. The Raiders have already started building their franchise around Mendoza, and are aiming to put him in the best position to succeed when he does get his chance to play. Part of that process includes watching and learning from a guy like Cousins.
Entering the season, Cousins had appeared in 174 NFL games and thrown for 44,700 yards and 298 touchdowns. He's seen a little bit of everything throughout the course of his 14-year NFL career, and his veteran leadership makes him an ideal mentor for Mendoza.
Instead of rushing Mendoza's development and throwing him right into the fire, the Raiders are being patient. Mendoza's time will come, and Hoosier fans are confident in his ability to make an immediate impact when his number is called. The Raiders' next game comes this Sunday, October 4 at home vs the Chiefs.
Add us as a preferred source on Google