Raiders' Kubiak: All Three QBs Earn First-Team Reps
Source: ABC30 Fresno Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak saw something special in rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza during Thursday night's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Mendoza, a sixth-round pick out of Cal, completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, leading the Raiders' offense across four series that amounted to 18 plays. The team ultimately fell 27-14, but the performance left a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
Kubiak, in his first season as head coach, was particularly struck by Mendoza's composure. "He went out and executed the way that he does in practice," Kubiak said on Friday. "Some guys get to the game and things change on them, and they move fast and freak out. He was the opposite."
Mendoza had spent most of training camp working with the second-team offense. His only snaps with the starters came after Kubiak held veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby out of practice following a scuffle between the two. That incident, though brief, opened a window for Mendoza to run with the first unit. Against the Cardinals, he showed the poise and accuracy that had drawn the Raiders' attention during the draft process.
Cousins, who started the game, went 5-for-6 for 50 yards and a touchdown in his lone series, finding tight end Michael Mayer for a 13-yard score on the opening drive. Third-string quarterback Aidan O'Connell closed out the game in the fourth quarter. Despite the clear hierarchy, Kubiak made it clear that the competition is not closed.
"That's something that we're talking about as a coaching staff right now," Kubiak said. "Whether it's Aidan O'Connell, Kirk or Fernando, all three of those guys deserve first-team reps. We've got to put a plan together on how we're going to split them up."
Mendoza's performance might have strengthened his case for more practice time with the starters. Yet Kubiak was quick to reinforce that the starting job remains Cousins' to lose, citing the veteran's efficient outing and leadership. But Mendoza's self-assessment was less forgiving. The rookie focused on the throws he missed and the reads he botched, highlighting that his timing and anticipation still need work.
"The best quarterbacks I've been around are the ones that are hard on themselves," Kubiak said. "... I think he played good football last night."
This balancing act—praising a promising rookie while keeping a veteran starter in place—is a delicate dance for any coaching staff. The Raiders are in a transitional phase, building around a defense anchored by Crosby and an offense that features a mix of young talent and seasoned players. The quarterback room, now with three legitimate candidates for first-team reps, gives Kubiak a luxury of depth but also a potential distraction if not managed carefully.
As the preseason continues, the Raiders will likely rotate their quarterbacks with the first-team offense in practices and games. Kubiak's comments suggest that Mendoza has earned a longer look, but Cousins remains the front-runner. For now, the competition is healthy, and the team's direction remains focused on the regular season opener.
Article commentary
The Raiders' quarterback situation is a fascinating subplot of this preseason. Klint Kubiak's decision to give all three quarterbacks first-team reps is unconventional but strategically sound. By publicly acknowledging that Fernando Mendoza, a rookie, deserves equal consideration alongside Kirk Cousins and Aidan O'Connell, Kubiak is sending a message that performance—not pedigree—will dictate playing time. This approach can foster a competitive environment, but it also risks creating uncertainty if not handled with clear communication. Mendoza's debut was impressive by any measure. His completion rate (62.5%) and touchdown were solid, but his composure under pressure stood out. For a rookie in his first NFL action, staying calm when the game speeds up is a rare trait. Kubiak's comparison to practice is telling—Mendoza's mental preparation appears to match his physical tools. However, it's worth noting that preseason defenses often play vanilla schemes, and the Cardinals' backups were on the field for much of Mendoza's time. The real test will come when he faces first-team defenses and more complex blitz packages. Kirk Cousins, meanwhile, did exactly what a veteran should do: he led a scoring drive on his only series. His efficiency (5-of-6, 50 yards, TD) was flawless, and his experience is invaluable for a team that needs stability. But at 37, Cousins is not the long-term future. The Raiders invested a draft pick in Mendoza, and they are likely eager to see if he can develop into a franchise quarterback. The scuffle between Cousins and Maxx Crosby, while minor, hinted at potential friction. Kubiak's handling of that situation—sitting both players for a practice—showed he values discipline and team harmony. Aidan O'Connell, the third-stringer, is a wild card. He has starting experience from last season, but his ceiling is lower than Mendoza's. Kubiak's inclusion of O'Connell in the first-team reps conversation suggests he is not ready to write him off. This three-way competition could be a positive if it pushes each player to improve. However, it could also lead to a divided locker room if players feel slighted. The coaching staff must be transparent about the criteria for earning reps. From a broader perspective, the Raiders are in a rebuild. They have a new head coach, a young defense, and a quarterback room that is being reshaped. Kubiak's willingness to give Mendoza a chance reflects a modern NFL trend: teams are increasingly willing to let rookies compete for starting jobs, even if they are not first-round picks. The success of late-round quarterbacks like Brock Purdy has shifted the calculus. Mendoza, with his accuracy and poise, could be the next surprise. But patience is key. Prescott, Mahomes, and Allen all benefited from sitting behind veterans. If Cousins stays healthy and plays well, Mendoza can learn without pressure. If Cousins struggles, the Raiders have a viable alternative. The depth is a luxury, but it also means every snap is audited. Kubiak's job is to manage egos and expectations while building a winning culture. His early moves suggest he is up to the challenge, but the true test comes in September.