Spytek likes what he sees off the field
Fernando Mendoza’s preseason had peaks and troughs. Las Vegas general manager John Spytek says that is exactly what a rookie quarterback’s August should look like.
Spytek spoke about the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 draft earlier today, and most of his answer had nothing to do with throws. “He’s a tireless worker. He loves football. He loves his teammates. He’s energetic on the field. He’s self-critical. He’s self-aware. He’s very accurate,” the general manager said.
Then came the line Raiders fans will chew on. “His time is coming, but he’s got to earn it every day, and he knows that. I think we’re all very pleased with the person and his work ethic and his commitment to being a great quarterback.”
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The numbers behind the wait
Mendoza, 22, completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards in the preseason, with one touchdown and two interceptions. A 55.6 percent completion rate and twice as many picks as scores are not the figures of a quarterback who has forced a coaching staff’s hand.
Kirk Cousins offered the opposite profile. The 38-year-old went 13 of 17 for 101 yards and a touchdown across two appearances. Fewer snaps, cleaner football, no drama.
That gap explains why head coach Klint Kubiak still has not named a starter for the Sept. 13 opener at home against the Miami Dolphins.
A Heisman winner holding a clipboard
Mendoza arrived in Las Vegas with the reigning Heisman Trophy in his luggage, and first overall picks rarely wait long once the regular season starts biting. Spytek framed the whole thing as a roster principle rather than a quarterback problem.
“We’re just trying to build the best team we can and play the guys that are most ready to play, and have a constant competition in every room, not just the quarterback room, but every room,” he said.
“The expectation always will be that the best person, the person that’s earned it, the person that can do their job for the team, will be the one that plays.”
Cousins holds the job for now. Mendoza holds the calendar.
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