Fernando Mendoza ‘wow’ factor instills Raiders teammates with supreme confidence

Fernando Mendoza is set to make his first NFL start for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, after taking every first-team practice snap on Wednesday. The Raiders have traded starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to Minnesota despite sitting at 4-5 with eight games left, showing their confidence in the 22-year-old rookie.

That confidence comes from months of preparation and what teammates have seen in practice since Mendoza arrived in April. Wide receiver Tre Tucker has been impressed by his throws, while left tackle Kolton Miller says Mendoza commands the huddle; coach Klint Kubiak expects his preparation to help him handle the pace of his first start. Mendoza says he will rely on leaders across the offence to help the team execute.