Kirk Cousins isn’t just keeping the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense on schedule.
According to FOX Sports analyst Mark Schlereth, the veteran quarterback believes his strongest contribution to Fernando Mendoza’s development is showing the rookie what high-level NFL preparation and execution look like.
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“Kirk Cousins told me, ‘Hey man, the best thing I can do for Fernando Mendoza is play great and show him what an NFL offense is supposed to look like. That’s the best thing I can do for him,’” said Schlereth on the Rich Eisen Show.
That approach matters because Mendoza entered Las Vegas with enormous expectations. The Raiders selected the Indiana star first overall after his unbeaten 2025 season, during which he threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Despite that investment, head coach Klint Kubiak awarded the starting job to Cousins after the veteran impressed throughout the offseason and training camp.
Three games into the season, it’s becoming easier to understand the decision. Cousins has helped guide Las Vegas to a 3-0 record, throwing three touchdown passes in each game.
Against the New Orleans Saints, he completed 22 of 33 passes for 248 yards and three scores as the Raiders erased an 11-point deficit to win 35-27.
Cousins’ success is part of Mendoza’s education
Schlereth said Cousins views his own performance as the best example he can provide Mendoza.
Instead of treating the rookie as someone who needs constant instruction, Cousins is giving him a firsthand look at how an experienced NFL quarterback prepares and operates an offense.
That philosophy also fits Cousins’ earlier comments about their relationship.
He’s pushed back on the idea that his role is simply to mentor Mendoza, explaining that the quarterbacks are working together, exchanging feedback and learning from one another.
The results have given Mendoza something valuable, and that is time to observe an NFL offense functioning at a high level.
Through three games, Cousins has completed 67.4% of his passes for 661 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions, while producing a 107.2 passer rating.
His consistency has also taken some pressure away from the rookie. Mendoza doesn’t have to be thrown into the lineup simply because he was the No. 1 pick.
Instead, he can spend additional time learning Kubiak’s system, studying defensive looks and watching how Cousins handles game situations.
Kubiak has made clear that Mendoza remains part of the plan, but Cousins continues to earn the opportunity to play while the Raiders are winning.
“He played really good football. I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp, and he’s earned it,” Kubiak said.
Cousins has also praised Kubiak’s organization and commitment to improvement. He’s noted that the coach doesn’t allow victories to prevent him from correcting mistakes, creating an environment where both quarterbacks can continue developing.
With Cousins running the offense effectively, Mendoza can learn without carrying the immediate burden of fixing every problem on a team with playoff expectations.
Looking ahead, Cousins is focused on the Kansas City Chiefs and keeping Las Vegas rolling, while Mendoza’s NFL debut can wait.