Raiders players lamented the loss of Kirk Cousins while expressing excitement about the future now that Fernando Mendoza will take over as starting quarterback. A typical Tuesday off day produced a franchise-altering moment when Cousins was traded for a third-round pick, marking the official start of Mendoza's run as QB1. Wednesday, the team returned to the practice field to start preparations for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
"It's tough," running back Ashton Jeanty said of turning the page so abruptly. "Kirk was a great leader and he's playing really well. He's a great guy to be around, so we'll definitely miss him." Coach Klint Kubiak didn't have to do much explaining when the team gathered Wednesday morning. "Everybody's got a smartphone. Everyone knows the news," Kubiak said. "We address what happened yesterday and we move on, and we wish Kirk the best and we move on with Fernando and with Aidan (O'Connell as the backup)."
The message — first delivered by general manager John Spytek during Tuesday's news conference — is that the quarterback change with the future in mind does not mean the 4-5 Raiders are waving the white flag on the current season. "This in no way signifies that we are punting on this season or looking forward to 2027," Spytek said. "That is not the intention of this. We have a big game this week against the defending world champs, and we intend to attack it like we would any week." Several players indicated Kubiak relayed a similar message.
According to several players, the only difference in Mendoza was a slight ratcheting up of his assertiveness now that he is the starting quarterback. "When something like that happens, you might think a rookie might just dip their toes in," left tackle Kolton Miller said. "I didn't feel that from him at all. He was ready. He was prepared. He's been learning so much, and he was ready to go." Tight end Brock Bowers added, "When it's time to work, he really gets dialed in. He was out there slinging it. Nothing new, though. That's what he's done the whole time."
Kubiak has been insistent the playbook won't change with Mendoza, though more pages may open as a result of his superior mobility. The biggest adjustment will be starters adapting to Mendoza's cadence and communication style. Teammates have praised his ability to communicate and a level of tenacity that may surprise those who only know him from television. "Outside of football, he's friendly and kind. I know he seems kind of quirky," Miller said. "But on the field, he commands the huddle. He speaks with volume. And if we have to make a correction, he's (forceful). 'Bring it back. Let's do it again.' He's really growing into that role."
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
English (US)·