Derek Carr Backs No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza to Break Raiders Records

Q: With Tom Brady advocating patience, what must Mendoza show in camp to force the Raiders' hand and start this season?

To win the Raiders’ starting job this season, Fernando Mendoza has to make the decision obvious in camp by looking more ready than Kirk Cousins, not just more talented. That means showing immediate command of Klint Kubiak’s offense. Cousins has a built-in edge because of his experience and prior work in the system, so Mendoza must prove he can get the team in and out of plays cleanly, process quickly, and limit rookie mistakes. The Raiders’ public line is that the best player will start, but Brady’s preference for patience means Mendoza likely needs to be clearly better, not merely promising. He also has to translate his college traits into NFL settings every day. The Raiders drafted him No. 1 for his size, arm talent, accuracy and scheme fit after a Heisman season and national title run at Indiana. In camp, that has to show up as consistent ball placement, poise under pressure, and the ability to operate from the pocket and under center against faster, more complex defenses. Just as important, Mendoza must show he can handle the “pressure test” Brady values. If the rookie stays composed when practices speed up, responds well after mistakes, and leads veteran teammates with confidence, he strengthens the case that sitting him is unnecessary. In short, to force the Raiders’ hand, Mendoza must outperform Cousins in execution, not just upside, and prove he can run the offense efficiently enough to help Las Vegas win from Week 1.

3 articles · Updated · Silver And Black Pride · Jul 12

Derek Carr said at a charity golf event that he hopes rookie Fernando Mendoza breaks all of his Raiders passing records as the franchise turns to the No. 1 overall pick.
Mendoza is the Raiders' highest-drafted quarterback since Carr arrived in the second round in 2014, making him the clearest long-term successor the team has had in years.
Carr spent 9 seasons in Las Vegas and led the Raiders to 2 playoff appearances, giving his endorsement weight as Mendoza takes over a position Carr helped stabilize.
The rookie arrives with major expectations after winning the 2026 national championship, and Raiders fans are looking for a longer-lasting run of success under center.