Raiders QB Mendoza relishes 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity - ESPN

HENDERSON, Nev. — Thrust back into the spotlight after months as Kirk Cousins' understudy, No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza said Wednesday it's a «once-in-a-lifetime» opportunity to be the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback.

Being the starter is a «new step» in his career, Mendoza said. Nonetheless, he's trying to avoid making the moment bigger than it has to be.

Mendoza's starting debut Sunday will come against the reigning Super Bowl champions and one of the league's most imposing defenses, the Seattle Seahawks.

Through his preparation and Cousins' mentorship since the spring, Mendoza is confident in his ability to run the offense and has gained the utmost trust from his teammates and coach Klint Kubiak.

«I'm a lot more confident as a quarterback and feel more developed, whether it's [playing] under center, connecting with teammates, understanding an NFL scheme,» Mendoza said Wednesday. «There are so many areas that I have improved on, and I look forward to keep on improving.»

Kubiak said this week shouldn't feel like a whirlwind for Mendoza because he has been preparing the right way from the beginning. Kubiak also said the Raiders will not be «peeling back anything» in their offense, as the coach is comfortable with Mendoza running the entire playbook.

«We're going to go do what the whole team does best, all 11, and then he does his part distributing the football,» Kubiak said.

Mendoza's teammates understand the challenges of adjusting to the pro level and are rallying behind the 23-year-old signal-caller. Tight end Brock Bowers said he's «excited» for Mendoza's first start and can't wait to see him sling the ball around the field.

Bowers said Mendoza has a good challenge ahead of him, facing a Seattle defense that