Full playbook, defending title and no settling into the job.
Fernando Mendoza had no clue as to what was going on behind the scenes when he walked up to his locker on Tuesday. The news that Kirk Cousins was being traded to Minnesota surprised the rookie, and the move instantly altered his role with the Las Vegas Raiders. The No. 1 overall pick would now be preparing to lead the offense.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday after the first practice as the starter, Mendoza called the opportunity a “once in a lifetime” deal, while also saying he was excited to take the field with his teammates for Sunday's home game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Cousins' departure has a personal side to it, beyond the football decision. Mendoza credits the 15-year vet and his family for welcoming him and treating him like family. He said Cousins was an ideal mentor who shared his experience openly and helped him cope with life in the NFL.
Preparation has been a major part of Mendoza's development since joining the Raiders. Coaches have complimented his work habits, and the rookie acknowledged how much he learned by observing Cousins prepare for the game. That advice now becomes his preparation for a starting job.
Head coach Klint Kubiak liked what he saw during Mendoza's first practice as the starter. Kubiak also made it clear that Las Vegas would not simplify the offense for Sunday's game, saying that the staff had no intention of “peeling back” the playbook.
That choice places ownership on the rookie to operate the entire offensive system in his starting debut. An immediate test will come against a Seattle team that recently won a Super Bowl, but Mendoza has the advantage of learning from a veteran who has been through this before and prepared him for his debut.