Raiders Urged to Bench $172M Kirk Cousins From Day 1 in Favor of Fernando Mendoza

Kirk Cousins, the 37-year-old quarterback, was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons after two disappointing seasons. Despite signing a massive five-year, $172 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, there are still doubts about whether he should start right away. Some experts are urging the Raiders to bench Cousins in favor of their rookie quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. After spending six seasons with the Washington Football Team, Cousins joined the Falcons in 2019, hoping to revitalize his career. However, things did not go as planned for the veteran quarterback. He struggled to find his rhythm with the Falcons' offense and eventually lost his starting job to Michael Penix Jr. Cousins' performance was underwhelming, and the Falcons had no choice but to release him. But despite his struggles with the Falcons, Cousins has found a new home with the Raiders. The team was quick to sign him, hoping that he could bring some much-needed experience and leadership to their quarterback position. However, with the signing of Mendoza in the first round of the NFL draft, some are questioning whether Cousins should be the starter from day one. Mendoza, a highly-touted rookie out of Clemson University, has impressed in the pre-season and has shown great potential to be the Raiders' future franchise quarterback. His athleticism, arm strength, and decision-making have caught the eye of many experts, and they believe he could be the answer to the Raiders' quarterback woes. On the other hand, Cousins' age and struggles with the Falcons have raised doubts about his ability to lead the Raiders to success. Many believe that the Raiders should give Mendoza a chance to prove himself and develop into their long-term quarterback while Cousins can serve as a mentor and backup. However, it would be a mistake for the Raiders to bench Cousins from day one. Despite his struggles with the Falcons, Cousins has proven himself to be a reliable and consistent quarterback in the past. He has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the past six seasons and has a career passer rating of 98.7. He may not be the flashiest or most athletic quarterback, but he gets the job done. Moreover, the Raiders' offense is filled with talented playmakers, and Cousins' experience and leadership could be crucial in getting the best out of them. He has a track record of developing chemistry with his receivers, and his accuracy and decision-making could be a perfect fit for the Raiders' offensive system. Another factor that works in Cousins' favor is his durability. He has not missed a single game due to injury in the past six seasons, which is a remarkable feat for a quarterback in the NFL. This could be crucial for the Raiders, who have had their fair share of injuries in recent years. Having a reliable and durable quarterback like Cousins could be a game-changer for the team. It is also worth noting that Mendoza is still a rookie and has a lot to learn before he can take over as the starting quarterback. While his potential is undeniable, throwing him into the starting role right away could be overwhelming and could hinder his development. The Raiders should not rush him into the spotlight and instead let him learn from the sidelines and gradually ease him into the starting role. In conclusion, while Mendoza may be the future of the Raiders' quarterback position, it would be wise for the team to start with Cousins as the starter. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, and his presence could be beneficial for the team's young and talented players. Mendoza will have his time to shine, but for now, it is best for the Raiders to trust in Cousins and give him the opportunity to lead the team to success.