Insider sheds light on what Raiders' undefeated start means for Fernando Mendoza starting timeline

Nobody really thought the Las Vegas Raiders would be 2-0 to start their season, and even though it's early, it's certainly a good sign when a team that only won three games last year is already at two wins in September.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Raiders are flying high after their win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, 26-14. Now, they're heading into a Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints.

Considering that Cousins has helped this team go 2-0, there's a question about when this team will let rookie Fernando Mendoza take over. With this team doing so well, what's the rush?

Raiders' 2-0 start has bought Fernando Mendoza more time

In a feature for ESPN on Wednesday, Dan Graziano calls the Raiders' run "the surprise of the early season," especially with star tight end Brock Bowers out.

"The biggest surprise internally in Vegas might be the performance of the offensive line, which struggled significantly last year, and the staff had some questions about going into camp," he adds.

He also drops some intel on when Mendoza may finally take the field. Don't hold your breath.

"Whenever Fernando Mendoza takes over the starting QB job in Vegas, the offense could take another leap forward due to Mendoza's mobility and stronger arm. But there's no rush on that," he says in the piece. "The 2-0 start has bought the Raiders even more time to work their plan of keeping Mendoza on the bench as long as possible before throwing him into the NFL fire."

Over two games for the Raiders, Cousins has completed 40 of 59 passes for 413 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. If the Raiders keep winning, there's really no reason to rush the rookie onto the field.