# @fb_universe on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcmu8hco55N
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69780379-fb-universe-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/970d60f320.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-29T01:15:05.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Football Universe (@fb_universe) — https://gondola.cc/fb_universe

## Caption

The Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick at quarterback and there’s still a real question about who should actually start Week 1

Fernando Mendoza was drafted to become the future of this franchise. When you take a quarterback first overall, everyone immediately wants to see him on the field. Fans want the new era to start NOW. But Klint Kubiak’s recent comments made this situation a lot more interesting.

Kubiak said Mendoza could use “another three preseason games,” which tells you the Raiders understand there’s still development needed before their rookie QB is completely comfortable running an NFL offense. And that’s where Kirk Cousins changes everything.

Cousins might not be the long-term answer in Vegas, but he gives the Raiders something Mendoza simply doesn’t have yet: years of NFL experience. Starting Cousins would allow Mendoza to sit, learn the offense, adjust to NFL defenses and develop without immediately carrying the pressure that comes with being the No. 1 pick.

At some point, you have to play the kid. You don’t draft Mendoza first overall to keep him on the sideline forever. Sometimes the fastest way for a young quarterback to develop is getting real snaps, making mistakes and learning from them. That’s what makes this decision so interesting. Do the Raiders protect their investment and let Cousins handle the beginning of the season?

Either way, every mistake from Cousins will have fans calling for Mendoza, and every rookie mistake from Mendoza will have people saying Vegas rushed him. Welcome to the pressure of drafting a quarterback No. 1.

If you were making the decision, who are you starting Week 1: Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza? 👇

#Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #NFL

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## Tags

raidernation, raiders, nfl, fernandomendoza, kirkcousins

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