EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY — We all want to see Cuban-American rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza under center this season for the Raiders. 

The 23-year-old out of Indiana University, a native of Miami, Florida, and No. 1 overall pick of this year’s NFL Draft would like to be out there too, but above all else, led by veteran QB Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas is currently in the AFC Playoff Picture. 

Though on the outside looking in as of now, with a .500 record as the Raiders improved to 4-4 Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium on a 38-33 victory over the Jets—now would not be the time to test the waters on a young and upcoming rookie QB—Las Vegas’ soon to be face of the franchise and their future. 

Earlier in the week leading up to the Raiders facing off against the Jets Sunday afternoon in East Rutherford, New Jersey, head coach Klint Kubiak gave Kirk Cousins a vote of confidence, declaring him the starting QB as calls for No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza increased amid Las Vegas’ four-game skid – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports

A similar yet different scenario had occurred in Kansas City as a 22-year-old rookie Patrick Mahomes, selected by the Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft at 10th overall, picked up valuable learning lessons by watching veteran and established starting QB Alex Smith from the sidelines.

Whereas Mahomes made his NFL debut in December in Week 17 during his 2017 rookie campaign, an aged 33 Smith started 15 out of Kansas City’s 16 regular season games and then was traded to the then Redskins (Commanders) that offseason. 

All of this opened the door for Mahomes to become Mahomes, so with that in mind, could the same be brewing up now in Sin City for Mendoza? 

Before becoming the third-ever Latino to be selected No. 1 overall in a NFL Draft with Mexican-American QBs Bryce Young (Alabama) and Jim Plunkett (Stanford), Fernando Mendoza, out of Indiana University, became the third-ever Latino to win a Heisman Trophy as Young and Plunkett did prior to him – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports

Only time will tell how things play out, however Cousins, 38, did put himself in a comfortable position going forward for 2026, recording 247 passing yards in Sunday’s win on 19/26 completions and three passing touchdowns. 

From entering the day on a four-game losing skid with some questions whether or not there would be a change at QB soon, to dropping New York to 2-6 on the year, he also added three yards on the ground to go along with a rushing touchdown. 

“It’s been a tough four weeks so we needed that one,” Cousins said, “and we’ll enjoy the flight home now. It’s great to get a win, to be .500 in November now and to be playing meaningful football is important.

It doesn’t get any easier from here and we understand the challenge ahead.”

In the Raiders’ 38-33 win over the Jets Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, Las Vegas’ starting QB Kirk Cousins was efficient and error-free, completing 19 of 26 passes for 247 yards to just four pass catchers (two tight ends, one running back, one wide receiver) – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports

Looking ahead to Week 9, each team’s next time on the gridiron, the Raiders (4-4) will visit The Bay Area to take on the 49ers (6-1) on Sunday. November 8th, while the Jets (2-6) are off to Kansas City for a matchup with the Chiefs (5-2).

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