VEGAS SPORTS REPORT: Mendoza Takes Raiders’ Reins as Golden Knights Surge

Fernando Mendoza is getting his opportunity to take over as the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback sooner than expected, after Kirk Cousins was traded to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday (Nov. 10). Fernando Mendoza of the Las Vegas Raiders runs off the field following a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 1 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Image: Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) The Raiders received a 2027 third-round draft pick from the Vikings in the trade. In a news conference Wednesday (Nov. 11), speaking for the first time since the trade, Mendoza said the news caught him completely off guard. “Truthfully, I had no inkling,” he told reporters. “Just was in the locker room yesterday (Nov. 10), and people are like, ‘Kirk got traded.’” Cousins Leaves Lasting Impression Mendoza was appreciative of Cousins, whom he said had taken the first overall draft pick last April under his wing, something he didn’t have to do as a National Football League (NFL) veteran. Mendoza said Cousins and his family welcomed him into their home, while the veteran generously shared his knowledge of film study, preparation and the responsibilities of being an NFL starter. “Always being prepared and doing everything possible you can to prepare yourself to best serve your teammates” is what Cousins taught him, he added. The Raiders (4-5) are set to face the Seattle Seahawks (5-4) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday (Nov. 15). Game time is 4:05 p.m. EDT. Kubiak Confident in Mendoza Mendoza said he has grown considerably since arriving in Las Vegas, particularly in his confidence, understanding of the offense, ability to operate under centre and relationships with teammates. “I’m a lot more confident as a quarterback, and I feel more developed,” he said. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, meanwhile, isn’t planning to dramatically simplify the offense for his new starter. “We’re not peeling back anything,” said Kubiak. “We’re going to go do what the whole team does best.” Kubiak said Mendoza has impressed the Raiders’ coaching staff with his consistency, playmaking ability, understanding of the offensive system and daily preparation. Seattle Defense Presents Major Challenge “I’m very comfortable running our playbook with Fernando,” he said. “He’s been through every situation that Kirk’s been through in training camp and OTAs. He just hasn’t had the game reps.” Sunday is a monumental test for Mendoza and the team. Both the quarterback and head coach look at the Seattle defense as being among the NFL’s best. The statistics bear that out – Seattle is No. 1 in the NFL in yards allowed, at 244.2 per game. Their pass defense is No. 1 (155.1 yards allowed per game). And their rushing defense is No. 4 (89.1 yards allowed per game). The Raiders are among the worst rushing teams in the league – No. 31, at 71.3 yards per game. Mendoza’s success will depend on more than physical abilities, Kubiak said. “It’s going to be about his leadership, his knowledge of the offense, his ability to read defense,” he said. “It shouldn’t be a whirlwind if he’s been preparing the right way each week. You know, at some point he knew he was going to get an opportunity, and so he’s been preparing that way since April.” Golden Knights Continue Winning Streak The Vegas Golden Knights are hitting their stride, extending their winning streak to four games after defeating the Utah Mammoth 5-3 last night at T-Mobile Arena. The Golden Knights (13-5-2) and the Edmonton Oilers (14-3-3) are in lockstep for first place in the National Hockey League’s Pacific Division, with the Oilers, winners of three straight, up three points on Las Vegas. Both teams have played 20 games. Wednesday night (Nov. 11) against Utah, Ivan Barbashev led the charge, scoring twice for Las Vegas, with Victor Olofsson adding a goal and two assists, and Mitch Marner contributing three assists. It doesn’t get any easier for the Golden Knights. Friday night (Nov. 13), the Nashville Predators are in town, winners of six straight. Vegas Vanguards Unveil Team Identity Las Vegas’ new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) team has a new name – the Vegas Vanguards, along with a new logo and team colors, unveiled Tuesday (Nov. 10). The Vanguards are one of four expansion teams joining the PWHL for the 2026-27 season, alongside the Detroit Clutch, Hamilton Havoc and San Jose Sea Lions. The Vanguards’ logo features a kit fox, native to the Mojave Desert, with a design incorporating the letter V and Las Vegas’ iconic star. The colors are cactus green, fox ivory, desert gold and midnight navy. The Vegas team makes its regular-season debut Dec. 6 against the Clutch at T-Mobile Arena. The post VEGAS SPORTS REPORT: Mendoza Takes Raiders’ Reins as Golden Knights Surge appeared first on Casino.org.