“He Is the Captain” — Ex-NFL QB Gets 100% Clear on Kirk Cousins Being Raiders’ QB1 Over Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders started the 2026 season with an impressive performance as they won three consecutive games, but the franchise suffered a downfall as they lost four straight games.The franchise is struggling to get back on track, and several fans and analysts are questioning the quarterback situation, wondering whether veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins should continue leading the offense or whether it is time to give rookie Fernando Mendoza an opportunity.Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn ImagesDerek Carr Backs Kirk Cousins Amid Fernando Mendoza Chatter PressureIn a recent episode of the “The Get Got Pod”, quarterback Derek Carr shared a different perspective on the quarterback situation, as he believes in the veteran quarterback and said:“I think you know how it goes, man, The media pressure when you’re starting to lose is like, when are we going to play him now? I would say Kirk is playing really well and he’s named the starting quarterback… He’s the leader. He’s the captain. Let him play. Let him be that.”“You’ve said from the beginning you want to give Fernando time, which I understand he’s in the RPO world,” Carr added. “He’s got a lot to learn. He’s shown flashes, but he’s also shown in that Patriot game. The more time that we can give him, the better he’s going to be. Kirk’s playing well. He’s your leader. If you’re in the hunt, you play Kirk. As soon as you’re out of the hunt and you’re like, ‘Hey, we need to think about the future.’ I can understand that. But until that time, I think Kirk’s the quarterback.”Mendoza began his NFL career with a debut against the New England Patriots. The rookie quarterback performed well, but his experience is still limited, and relying on someone with limited experience would be a big risk for the franchise. The head coach of the organization, Klint Kubiak, cleared the air by saying that there is currently no quarterback controversy in Las Vegas.The head coach made it pretty clear that Cousins remains the starter while acknowledging that the coaching staff has a development plan for Mendoza. The coming game will be very important for Cousins, as it is an opportunity for him to silence his critics. Only time will tell. With a veteran quarterback looking to keep the team competitive and a highly anticipated rookie waiting for his opportunity, Las Vegas must carefully balance its immediate ambitions with its long-term plans.The head coach has acknowledged the ability of the young quarterback, and Mendoza will eventually get his opportunity, revealing that the team has a development plan for the No. 1 overall pick. However, the coaching staff has not established a specific timeline for when the former Hoosiers QB will take over.More News From Gridiron Heroics:“Josh Downs Has Requested A Trade From the Indianapolis Colts”: Pat McAfee Makes Feelings Known On His Team Being In “Bad Spot”‘He Is a Willing Distraction’ — NFL Analyst Makes Bold Case for Browns Backup QB Shedeur Sanders To Be Traded to Colts‘You Hold A Fire Sale’ — Analyst Makes Bold Prediction on Eagles’ Potentially Firing Nick Sirianni“Do I Need to Start Packing Our Bags?”: Jonathan Taylor’s Wife Ayanna Gets Anxious Over Star RB’s Future Amid Colts’ Fire SaleThe post “He Is the Captain” — Ex-NFL QB Gets 100% Clear on Kirk Cousins Being Raiders’ QB1 Over Fernando Mendoza appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.