Kirk Cousins is currently leading the quarterback competition for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders have not yet announced when they will name a starting quarterback. However, the first glimpse of the team in action showed an early hierarchy among the signal callers.
Cousins Takes First-Team Snaps
During the Raiders’ OTAs practice on Wednesday, Kirk Cousins took all of the first-team reps. Aidan O’Connell followed Cousins in the rotation. Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick, worked third and mostly with rookies during competitive periods.
Each quarterback appeared to get equal snaps during team drills. The Raiders have stated that each player will have an equal opportunity to win the starting job. General manager John Spytek has said that “the best guy will play.”
Head coach Klint Kubiak and Spytek have expressed their desire to not play a young quarterback right away. This puts veteran Cousins in a strong position to start Week 1.
Mendoza’s Development and Impressive Throws
Mendoza’s current position in the rotation is attributed to his inexperience in the NFL and Kubiak’s offensive scheme. The Raiders are easing the Heisman Trophy winner into the professional level. Mendoza admitted during rookie minicamp that he has a lot to learn about playing under centre in a West Coast scheme.
Working with developing players allows him to learn on the job. Cousins’ and O’Connell’s reps allow Las Vegas to assess the implementation of the new offense.
Kubiak is pleased with the progress he’s seeing from Mendoza, who has made some impressive throws during practice. When Mendoza made mistakes, he sought criticism from Kubiak, offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan. Kubiak noted, “Anything that you put in front of him, he’s going to attack it.”
Cousins’ Leadership and Presence
Cousins also made a series of strong throws during team drills. The veteran made sure his new team felt his presence. On one play, Cousins directed a misaligned receiver to move into the correct position to avoid a failed play. After a first-down conversion late in the session, Cousins let out an exuberant celebration.
Kubiak said, “He’s a professional. He’s played a lot of football. He’s a leader that we’re counting on right now.”
Kubiak stated that naming a quarterback is “gonna reveal itself, especially in training camp…It’s gonna reveal itself here in the next eight OTAs and these minicamp practices. We definitely would (like to name a starter), but we’ll let the players figure that out for us with their tape.”