Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been making the most of his opportunity serving as a backup behind Kirk Cousins.
Mendoza appeared on the NFL Network show, “Inside Training Camp,” and told reporters Rhett Lewis and Michael Robinson how much he’s enjoyed learning from Cousins.
“I’ve picked up so much from Kirk, not only his veteran experience but also he’s had experience with Coach (Klint) Kubiak in Minnesota,” Mendoza said. “So when we’re installing the offense and installing new plays, and he’s like, ‘Hey, remember that play in 2021 in Minnesota, from that game?’ And we’re able to look back at the game and to be able to get his thoughts on the concept.”
Mendoza said he’s enjoyed picking Cousins’ brain and seeing how he goes through his progressions.
“It’s more listening than sometimes asking,” Mendoza said.
While he’s been learning a lot from Cousins, Mendoza also added that he’s enjoyed learning from offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko and fellow QB Aidan O’Connell, who has played in 21 games for the Raiders the last three seasons.
Cousins is no stranger to helping mentor and develop a young quarterback. He spent the last two years helping develop Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
In February, Cousins was released by the Falcons and ended up signing with the Raiders in April to start if needed and to help mentor Mendoza, who was selected with the No.1 pick in the NFL draft.
Since the two arrived in Las Vegas, Cousins has been enjoying his time with the rookie. Mendoza took the college football world by storm last season, when he won the Heisman Trophy and helped Indiana win its first national title in the sport.
Mendoza practiced with the first-team offense Saturday because Cousins and star edge rusher Maxx Crosby were held out of practice due to a scuffle Friday.
