10
Loading video...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
After the Las Vegas Raiders traded starting quarterback Kirk Cousins last week, No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is set to make his first NFL regular-season start against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
ESPN analyst Alex Smith was once in Mendoza's shoes, as the San Francisco 49ers selected him first overall in 2005. Based on his take during "NFL Sunday Countdown," he doesn't envy the Raiders rookie one bit.
"I'll tell you what, I'm so glad I'm not in his shoes right now. Right? 'Hey, our No. 1 pick that we want to get off to a good start so badly- guess what, you're gonna play the best defense in the NFL in the Super Bowl, champ Seattle Seahawks,'" Smith said calling it "a monster" for Mendoza.
Read More on NFL
"It is so fast, you're trying to digest all your volume on offense. Everything that this No. 1 defense is gonna throw at you, and you just can't- you can't prepare yourself for what it's actually gonna look like," he said.
More news: Patriots Lose Drake Maye to Concerning Injury Against Lions in Munich
...
Smith suggested that a silver lining for Mendoza is that his first career start might be the toughest challenge he faces in his rookie season.
The Seahawks are allowing opponents just 244.2 yards of offense, ranking first in the NFL. They also lead the league in pass defense, allowing opponents just 155.1 passing yards per game, setting up a potentially harsh welcome for the NFL rookie.
"It's gonna be suffocating ... They're on top of you, it is so fast, and again, I want to see a young kid be able to stand in there, can he operate the offense on third down and in the red zone, and in key moments, he's gonna have to try to make some throws with this pass rush bearing down on him," Smith said of the rookie.
Smith also questioned whether Mendoza would be able to remain focused on throws downfield against a team like the Seahawks. Adding to those concerns, quarterbacks making their first career start against head coach Mike Macdonald's teams have gone 0-4.
Initially, the Raiders seemed ready to ease Mendoza into the season while he was an understudy behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. A similar situation happened in Kansas City, when the Chiefs had the veteran Alex Smith, and Patrick Mahomes got to ease into his early career.
However, Las Vegas traded Cousins ahead of last week's NFL trade deadline to the Minnesota Vikings for a third-round pick. That particular move opened the door for Mendoza's first start in a regular-season game on Sunday.
There are already high expectations for him after he guided Indiana to a championship and won the Heisman Trophy, and now he'll get a chance to shine.
Unfortunately, Mendoza's opportunity to shine may have to wait, as the Raiders face another difficult defensive matchup against the Denver Broncos next week.
More news: NFL Insider Reveals Vikings’ Plan for Kirk Cousins After Trade: Report
For more about the Las Vegas Raiders and the NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines