Analyst says Raiders would be smart to sit QB Fernando Mendoza

TL;DR

Analyst Chad Johnson suggests the Raiders should sit rookie QB Fernando Mendoza in favor of a veteran for Week 1. He cites the gradual development paths of stars like Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady as a reason for this approach.

Key points

Chad Johnson advises the Raiders to sit Fernando Mendoza.
He compares Mendoza's situation to Mahomes and Brady's early careers.
The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and are considering Mendoza.

Las Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaPatrick MahomesTom Brady

Analyst says Raiders would be smart to sit QB Fernando Mendoza originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Chad Johnson, former Bengals wideout, speaking to Vegas Sports Today's Mike Dixon, weighed in on the Raiders' quarterback situation and came down on the side of letting the veteran handle Week 1.

His reasoning highlights two very familiar NFL stars: Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. Neither of them began their careers as rookies, and Johnson feels that this gradual development process is something rookie players don’t often experience these days.

With the Raiders sitting at No. 1 overall and Fernando Mendoza nearly a lock to be the pick, how fast he plays is already the bigger question.

Johnson leaned on Mahomes and Brady to push his point

Here's what Johnson told Dixon about the situation:

"Kirk Cousins is probably going to be the starter for the Raiders. It would be smart for the development of Fernando Mendoza instead of throwing him out there to the wolves. Pat Mahomes and Tom Brady sat. The development of rookie quarterbacks is a lost gem."

When one looks at it, history supports his stance. In 2017, Mahomes was just backing up Alex Smith in Kansas City. However, he took the position in 2018 and won the MVP award for that year.

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Q&A

Why does Chad Johnson recommend sitting Fernando Mendoza?

Chad Johnson believes that allowing Mendoza to develop gradually, similar to Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, would benefit his long-term career.

What is the current status of the Raiders' quarterback situation?

The Raiders are considering Fernando Mendoza as their starting quarterback, but there is debate about whether to start him immediately or let a veteran play first.

How does the performance of Mahomes and Brady relate to Mendoza's situation?

Johnson points out that both Mahomes and Brady did not start as rookies, suggesting that a slower start could lead to greater success for Mendoza.