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Robert Griffin III Gives His Honest Opinion on Who Should Be the Raiders' QB1 1
Robert Griffin III gave the Las Vegas Raiders a clear answer to their quarterback debate, backing Fernando Mendoza as the player who should open the season as QB1. His assessment centered on the rookie’s command of play action, particularly a throw that showcased the anticipation and accuracy needed to succeed against an NFL defense.
The key sequence came on a play-action concept that initially brought multiple defenders into the same area of the field. Rather than rushing the decision, the quarterback executed the mechanics of the play, held the defense with the ball fake and created enough separation in coverage to attack the window.
Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza, NFLLas Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza, NFL
Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
What impressed the former NFL quarterback most was the quality of the throw itself. The pass was delivered with anticipation, touch and enough velocity to fit between three defenders, turning a difficult opportunity into a potentially game-changing completion. It was the type of play that can convince coaches a young quarterback is ready for a larger role.
The evaluation also highlighted the importance of fundamentals within a play-action offense. Showing the ball, snapping it, shrinking the space and setting up the throw can force defenders to react before they fully understand where the play is going, creating opportunities for a quarterback who can read the field quickly and deliver on time.
Former Robert Griffin III Urges Las Vegas Raiders to Make Fernando Mendoza Their QB1
Robert Griffin III, NFL, NetflixRobert Griffin III, NFL, Netflix
Jan 7, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Monday Night Countdown analyst Robert Griffin III wears a Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) jersey for a broadcast before a game featuring the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Griffin shared his reason why Mendoza should be Las Vegas’ starting quarterback. This can be seen in a video he posted on his official X account.
Fernando Mendoza should be the starting QB for the Las Vegas Raiders. pic.twitter.com/vBtk404t9Z
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 20, 2026
For Las Vegas, the endorsement adds another layer to an already important quarterback competition. The team has veteran experience available, but the performance of its young passer could make the decision increasingly difficult if he continues to display the accuracy, timing and confidence that impressed Griffin. The stakes are significant because early quarterback decisions can shape an offense’s identity, development plan and expectations, making every strong preseason performance increasingly relevant to the final call as training camp continues.
Ultimately, the message was that the rookie has already shown enough to warrant serious consideration for the starting job. If he can consistently reproduce that combination of poise, anticipation and precision, Las Vegas could have a compelling reason to turn to its younger option and give him the opportunity to lead the offense from the opening snap.