Raiders owner addresses Fernando Mendoza starter rumors

The Las Vegas Raiders still are not starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and all levels of the organization remain adamant that there is no rush to do so.

In an interview with CNBC on Monday, Raiders owner Mark Davis made clear he was not putting any pressure on the coaching staff to replace Kirk Cousins with Mendoza. The Raiders remain committed to developing Mendoza in the way they see fit, which for now involves him sitting behind Cousins.

“From me, there’s absolutely no pressure whatsoever,” Davis said, via Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I’ve seen quarterbacks get fast-tracked onto the field and they may do well, but they don’t learn all the intricacies of footwork and everything else it takes, so they’re limited in their development, maybe throughout their career. I’m really happy with the way it is with Fernando right now, and we’ll see what happens.”

Rumors have gained steam recently about Mendoza potentially replacing Cousins to the point that even Cousins has commented on them. The organization has fervently denied that a change is even under consideration.

Cousins has thrown for 19 touchdowns and just five interceptions through eight games, which is making the Raiders’ decision easier. Though he has shown inconsistency, he also doesn’t have the numbers to justify a quarterback change.