Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis Explains Fernando Mendoza’s Starting QB Situation

Raiders owner Mark Davis discusses Fernando Mendoza’s path to the starting quarterback job.© X/@PFF

Fernando Mendoza came to Las Vegas with the pressure of being the No. 1 pick, but his first NFL season did not go the way people thought. And by not giving the new player the starting job, that's what the Raiders chose. Three straight losses have now made people wonder if the team should make a change at quarterback. The owner, Mark Davis, knows how exciting Mendoza is. His most recent remarks showed why the team has not made a quick decision.

Fernando Mendoza's path to the Raiders starting job

Davis has been impressed by what he has seen from the rookie, and Mendoza attitude toward learning the game is what the team needs. Speaking to The New York Post during the NFL owners meetings, the Raiders owner praised the QB's approach to his first season.

“I love his work ethic,” Davis said. “I love that he's like a sponge in terms of learning.”

He also liked the young quarterback's competitive nature and ambition. “He wants to be the greatest. He enjoys the game, he's competitive,” the owner said. “Everything you think of, he's got.”

But admiration alone will not decide when Mendoza gets his opportunity. Davis has left football decisions to the people responsible for running the team, including head coach Klint Kubiak and the coaching staff.

The Raiders have continued to rely on Kirk Cousins. He has 15 years of experience with 5 NFL teams, whereas Mendoza is the rookie QB who has recorded 48 yards against the New England Patriots, but that appearance did not lead to a starting role.

“Just watching him play, he sees the field really well,” Davis said for Cousins. “He goes to his first, second and third reads very consistently, very fast. And he's a tough SOB. He wants to win.”

Rob Gronkowski backs Kirk Cousins amid Raiders' losing streak

Former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski has also pushed back against calls to replace Cousins with Mendoza. Speaking on The Gronk & Jules Show on Fox Sports, he argued that the quarterback was not responsible for all of Las Vegas' struggles.

“I don't think Kirk is the problem,” Gronkowski said. “I think the Raiders just don't know how to win yet.”

Cousins had thrown 14 touchdown passes, while recording 1,582 passing yards and five interceptions. Gronkowski felt the Raiders had competed well but struggled to finish games against stronger opponents.

The team's recent defeats came against the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Patriots after a 3-0 start.  Two of those losses came by three points, showing how closely the Raiders had competed in difficult matchups.