{
  "id": 2429647,
  "title": "Fernando Mendoza has plenty of experience to rely on in Raiders quarterbacks room",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/fernando-mendoza-has-plenty-of-experience-to-rely-on-in-raiders",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T20:31:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fernando-mendoza-plenty-experience-rely-203157669.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Las Vegas Raiders have shown strong support for their rookie quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, in his development, but there is another veteran quarterback in their ranks who may play a crucial role – Aidan O'Connell. O'Connell, entering his fourth season, has provided guidance through both words and actions. He recently led two significant fourth-quarter touchdown drives, rallying the Raiders to a 22-20 preseason victory at Houston. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak praised O'Connell's performance, stating that he was very happy for him and acknowledged the veteran's importance in the team. The coaching staff is considering keeping all three quarterbacks for the season, with hard decisions to be made. Mendoza's development is a focus, and it remains to be seen when he will get the chance to start. O'Connell's leadership and experience could be instrumental in helping Mendoza live up to the expectations that come with being the NFL's No. 1 overall draft pick.",
  "summary": "Much has been made of Kirk Cousins ' impact on Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza's development. Aidan O'Connell enters his fourth season and provides guidance through words and actions. “I think we’ve said all offseason how much we value Aidan, and what a heck of a second half,” coach Klint Kubiak said Friday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Veteran Aidan O Connell guides rookie Fernando Mendoza.",
    "O Connell led key fourth-quarter drives in recent preseason game.",
    "Raiders considering keeping all three quarterbacks for season."
  ],
  "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."
}