Klint Kubiak Praises Fernando Mendoza’s Behind The Scenes Development

While the Raiders are battling on the field, the most important player in the organization is still working to be ready when it is his time to play. Head coach Klint Kubiak is happy with how Fernando Mendoza is progressing.

“I’m very pleased with where he’s at,” Kubiak said of his rookie quarterback. “None of us really know until he goes and plays. But he’s doing everything that we are asking him to do. Really, he’s doing more (than we) ask. That’s just his character.”

Kubiak mentioned seeing Mendoza working by himself after most players had gone home. Working late into the day, even though he is still just a backup. 

That work ethic is what the Raiders are betting their future on. 

Las Vegas has created a bizarre situation for the 2026 season. After landing the top pick in the draft, general manager John Spytek took Mendoza. But unlike most organizations, the Raiders front office decided not to play Mendoza right away. Instead, Spytek is having his rookie quarterback learn before taking over the offense. 

The most important part of the Raiders’ 2026 season is happening out of the public eye. 

That’s not to say the current Raiders’ season isn’t important. They are 3-3 and could make a run to the playoffs with a couple of upsets. Evaluating Kubiak in his first year as a head coach is valuable, as his performance will be nearly as critical as Mendoza’s. 

But the Raiders never planned on winning this season. The entire plan with Mendoza was about setting the franchise up for success in 2027 and beyond. Anything that happens this season is just a bonus. 

The 2026 season will only be a success if Mendoza is ready to roll when he finally gets the chance to start for the Raiders. Only those inside the organization have insight into his development. 

“He’s making plays,” Kirk Cousins said of Mendoza’s play in practice. “Learning every day. Just refining, as we’re all doing. I’m in year 15 and still trying to refine. Thought he played well against New England. He’ll be ready if and when his number is called. He’ll be ready. He’s staying ready.”

It is an awkward situation for Cousins. He is the stopgap. Cousins is only around for as long as it takes Mendoza to prove he is ready. If the Raiders stay in a playoff race, Cousins can delay the day he gets benched for Mendoza. But it is inevitable, even if no one can actually see it.