Cousins or Mendoza? McCourty Backs Kirk for Raiders’ Week 1 Start

McCourty Backs Cousins as Raiders’ Week 1 Starter

In a move that could define the Las Vegas Raiders’ upcoming season, former NFL star Jason McCourty has thrown his support behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to lead the team in Week 1. McCourty believes Cousins is the clear choice over rookie Fernando Mendoza, citing the invaluable mentorship the young quarterback would receive.

“I believe it’s Kirk Cousins,” McCourty stated, emphasizing the strategic advantage of signing a seasoned pro. “I think that’s the reason you go out and you sign a veteran like Kirk Cousins.” This decision isn’t just about winning now; it’s about building for the future by providing Mendoza with a living blueprint of NFL quarterbacking.

A Veteran’s Role in Developing Talent

McCourty highlighted the learning opportunities Cousins would provide for Mendoza. The rookie could observe firsthand the professional habits of a seasoned NFL quarterback. This includes understanding the types of questions Cousins asks in meetings and how he communicates with his offensive line and receivers.

“Somebody for him to walk in that quarterback room and see what type of questions Kirk Cousins is asking. How is he communicating with his center and his offensive line?” McCourty questioned. Witnessing Cousins’ day-to-day preparation and on-field leadership offers a practical education that textbooks cannot replicate.

Offensive Scheme and Familiarity

The Raiders’ offensive scheme also plays a role in McCourty’s reasoning. Kirk Cousins’ prior experience playing under coach Kubiak with the Minnesota Vikings means he already understands the offensive system. This familiarity allows him to hit the ground running, providing stability from the outset.

“Signing a guy and Kirk Cousins not only as a veteran that has had success, but also played for Kubiak with the Minnesota Vikings. He understands the offense,” McCourty explained. This existing knowledge base reduces the learning curve for Cousins and potentially accelerates the team’s offensive development.

Addressing Roster Weaknesses

McCourty acknowledged that the current Raiders roster still has areas needing improvement, particularly on offense. The team may not possess an abundance of star-power weapons for the quarterback to throw to. In such a situation, a reliable veteran like Cousins can manage the game effectively and elevate the players around him.

“There aren’t a ton of weapons for the quarterback to throw the football to,” McCourty observed. Placing Cousins under center allows the team to maximize their current talent while the front office continues to address roster deficiencies.

Learning from Success: The Mahomes Parallel

The strategy of letting a veteran quarterback start while a highly touted rookie learns from the sidelines is not without precedent. McCourty drew a parallel to Patrick Mahomes’ early career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes spent his rookie year learning behind Alex Smith before taking over and leading the team to multiple Super Bowl victories.

“If Kirk Cousins comes out here and he plays unbelievable and they have an incredible season, let Mendoza sit the whole year. It worked for Patrick Mahomes when he let Alex Smith play in his rookie year and then took off that second year,” McCourty noted. This approach prioritizes long-term development and success over immediate, potentially premature, rookie activation.

The Verdict: Cousins for Week 1

McCourty’s conclusion is firm: Kirk Cousins should be the Raiders’ starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup. His experience, understanding of the offense, and ability to mentor a young QB make him the ideal choice to lead the team this season.

“So for sure, 100% I think week one Kirk Cousins should be and will be the starter,” McCourty declared. The Raiders now face the decision of whether to heed McCourty’s advice and harness Cousins’ veteran presence to guide their team and develop their future star.

Source: Jason McCourty believes Kirk Cousins should be the Raiders’ Week 1 starter 🏈 (YouTube)