While Mendoza’s prestigious draft slot places great responsibility on his shoulders, Las Vegas has wisely constructed a roster that won’t need to rely on the rookie immediately. Coach Klint Kubiak received his wish when Las Vegas’ front office moved quickly to sign veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, supplying the rookie coach with an experienced leader who can calmly guide the Raiders into their new era without immediately throwing Mendoza into the fire.
Theoretically, this should afford Mendoza time to learn, grow and get comfortable with Kubiak’s offense as well as the responsibilities that come with being a quarterback in the NFL. Before long, though, he’ll take the field and be forced to adjust to the speed of the pro game, an environment commonly perceived by rookies as a hornet’s nest.
Brady found himself in a similar situation when he was called upon to replace an injured Drew Bledsoe in 2001. We all know how that ended, and as Brady explained, he only fought his way through the chaos by working tirelessly to be the best in every department.
The same will be expected of Mendoza. Luckily, he has the greatest of all time in his corner.
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