The Las Vegas Raiders started their season hot with a 3-0 record, but that cooled down quickly. They actually have only won a single game since Week 3 and are 4-4 heading into their Sunday game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers are 6-1, so it’s fair to say that they’re going to be a tough opponent. The Raiders have been playing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as their starter, but they also have rookie Fernando Mendoza waiting in the wings. So, how much pressure do the powers that be at the Raiders feel to push Mendoza onto the field?
Raiders owner Mark Davis shares his thoughts on Fernando Mendoza’s playing time
According to reporter Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Davis appeared on CNBC on Monday and said that he feels “absolutely no pressure whatsoever” to have Mendoza start this season.
“Today, there’s a lot of pressure put on teams when they draft a guy No. 1 that you have to play him right away,” Davis said, per Hill. “That’s why I think we were so fortunate to get Kirk Cousins as someone who could bridge the gap and let this young man learn a lot about what football is in the pros, the speed of the game, and the things that have to be done.”
He added of Mendoza, “And he’s picking it up great, but I think we’re fortunate he doesn’t have to go out and play.”
Those are mixed messages. According to Davis, Mendoza is “picking it up great” and looking good on the field, but he’s also happy that the player “doesn’t have to go out and play.” That should raise some eyebrows. Either way, it doesn’t appear Mendoza will start for the Raiders in the near future.
