Fernando Mendoza shares intriguing insight into learning from Kirk Cousins

The Las Vegas Raiders plugged Fernando Mendoza as the brief starter following a Kirk Cousins punishment Sunday. Cousins got into a heated scuffle with edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Yet that moment didn’t effect Mendoza interacting with Cousins.

The top overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft sat down with Rhett Lewis and Michael Robinson on “Inside Training Camp” to outline his relationship with Cousins.

Many fans and analysts envisioned both would have a fierce competition. But that’s not the case per Mendoza’s words.

“I’ve picked up so much from Kirk,” Mendoza began. “Not only his veteran experience but also he’s had experience with Coach [Klint] Kubiak in Minnesota.”

The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner then articulated how Cousins is assisting Mendoza.

“So when we’re installing the offense and installing new plays, and he’s like, ‘Hey, remember that play in 2021 in Minnesota, from that game?’ And we’re able to look back at the game and to be able to get his thoughts on the concept,” Mendoza said.

The relationship is the opposite of rigid. Plus Mendoza is channeling a sponge by soaking in the information Cousins drops.

“It’s more listening than sometimes asking,” Mendoza said.

But again the Raiders are looking like they’ll be a fiery bunch this season. The Cousins altercation with Crosby rises as proof that this team should have some fight. Obviously Mendoza was in the background during the moment, but saw the competitive nature of both men.

Yet Mendoza also sees the teaching side of the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback.

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