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Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is set to make his first career start this Sunday. The Raiders will host the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in what marks a significant transition for the franchise. Mendoza previously saw limited action in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, where he completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards.
A Strategic Shift for the Raiders
Despite the change at quarterback, the Raiders maintain that they remain focused on the current season. With a 4-5 record, the team is still in contention for a playoff spot, and Spytek emphasized that the decision to start the rookie is not an indication that the organization is looking ahead to 2027. The team intends to approach the upcoming game against the Seahawks with the same competitive intensity as any other week.
Head coach Klint Kubiak noted that Mendoza has consistently exceeded expectations during practice sessions. Even while serving as a backup, the rookie maintained a starter’s mindset, frequently rehearsing play calls and spending extra hours on the practice field to master the game plan. Kubiak highlighted the rookie's growth in accuracy, offensive command, and his ability to execute two-minute drills as key factors in his readiness.
Transitioning from the Cousins Era
Kirk Cousins served as the Raiders' starter for the first nine games of the season, providing stability and helping the team surpass its win total from the previous year. During his tenure, Cousins threw for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His final appearance for the team came in a 38-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, where he recorded 216 passing yards and two total touchdowns against three interceptions.
While both Spytek and Kubiak acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways with a veteran who played a key role in building the team's current culture, the organization felt compelled to act based on Mendoza's rapid development. The rookie, who earned the Heisman Trophy at Indiana after throwing for 41 touchdowns and 3,535 yards, was drafted with the long-term goal of becoming the franchise's cornerstone. According to team leadership, his performance on the practice field eventually made the decision to promote him impossible to ignore.
