{
  "id": 16540732,
  "title": "Raiders Consider Making Extreme Fernando Mendoza Move After Loss to Rams",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/raiders-consider-making-extreme-fernando-mendoza-move-after-loss-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-26T01:00:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/raiders-consider-making-extreme-fernando-mendoza-move-after-loss-to-rams-12617304"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Las Vegas Raiders, who began their season with a 3-0 record, have suffered a string of four consecutive losses, including a 35-21 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams at home. Following their initial plan of starting Kirk Cousins, the franchise's first-round pick Fernando Mendoza was expected to learn under the veteran before potentially starting in 2027. After their latest loss, first-year head coach Klint Kubiak hinted that the team may consider accelerating Mendoza's progression to the starting role. Kubiak expressed a willingness to consider all aspects of the team's issues, including personnel and scheme changes. Though Cousins performed well in the last game with 295 passing yards and two touchdowns, Mendoza saw limited action, recording 48 passing yards in a previous game. The team's playoff hopes are still alive, having started their season with victories over Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and New Orleans Saints. However, they've recently lost to Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. The decision on whether to rush Mendoza to the starting position remains a crucial one for the Raiders and Kubiak, as their competitive status depends on whether a rookie quarterback can perform at the same level as Cousins.",
  "summary": "The Las Vegas Raiders are considering making a big move on Fernando Mendoza after losing a fourth consecutive game.",
  "key_points": [
    "Las Vegas Raiders face four-game losing streak.",
    "Head coach Klint Kubiak may accelerate Fernando Mendoza's progression.",
    "Raiders still have playoff hopes after recent losses."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Accelerating the rookie quarterback's development signals a shift from long-term planning to immediate desperation as the franchise attempts to salvage its season following a four-game losing streak.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}