{
  "id": 16603933,
  "title": "Should it be Fernando Mendoza time after Raiders' 4th straight loss?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/should-it-be-fernando-mendoza-time-after-raiders-4th-straight-loss",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-26T13:02:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fernando-mendoza-time-raiders-4th-130217808.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Las Vegas Raiders suffered their fourth straight loss in Week 7, falling 35-21 to the Los Angeles Rams. With the team making a transition from a 3-0 start, there's a growing question about whether rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza should take over in Week 8 against the New York Jets. While it's clear the team doesn't have a Kirk Cousins issue—Cousins performed admirably against the Rams—the four-game slump suggests the Raiders may not be the postseason contender they initially appeared. Head coach Klint Kubiak didn't rule out the idea of Mendoza starting, but he didn't provide a strong endorsement either. The upcoming schedule is tough, with the Jets, 49ers, Seahawks and Broncos all on the docket, followed by the Cleveland Browns before a Week 13 bye. Some believe inserting Mendoza after the bye against the Chargers would be a wiser strategy, but Kubiak will need to decide if this is the right move.",
  "summary": "Should the Las Vegas Raiders start rookie QB Fernando Mendoza after their fourth straight loss?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}