No rookie QBs are set to start in Week 1 for just the second time in the last 19 seasons
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The days of young quarterbacks patiently waiting for their turn to take over after they learn the NFL…
In a surprising move, the Las Vegas Raiders have decided to start veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 1, rather than their top draft pick Fernando Mendoza. This is only the second time in the past 19 seasons where no rookie quarterback has taken the field in the season opener. The last instance occurred in 2022 when Kenny Pickett, the 20th overall pick, started instead of Kenny Pickett.
Before that, in 2007, JaMarcus Russell, the first overall pick by the Raiders, did not start until the final game of the season due to his holdout. Typically, rookie quarterbacks have been given their first starts more frequently in recent years, a trend that accelerated after the differences between college and professional football became less pronounced.
However, the Raiders' decision to sit Mendoza speaks to the team's strategy in favor of Cousins' experience.
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