# OPTIMISM: Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza LEADS the Way as Rookie QB Performances GRAB Headline

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-nfl-scouting-with-the-draft-dudes-daily-podcast-covering-nfl-and-college-football-scouting-55283/optimism-raiders-fernando-mendoza-leads-the-way-as-rookie-qb-performances-grab-headline
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-nfl-scouting-with-the-draft-dudes-daily-podcast-covering-nfl-and-college-football-scouting-55283/optimism-raiders-fernando-mendoza-leads-the-way-as-rookie-qb-performances-grab-headline.md
Podcast: [Locked On NFL Scouting with the Draft Dudes - Daily podcast covering NFL and College Football scouting](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-nfl-scouting-with-the-draft-dudes-daily-podcast-covering-nfl-and-college-football-scouting-55283)
Published: 2026-08-17T10:23:05+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/nfl-scouting-with-the-draft-dudes/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/16ae0f/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/4638a61f-6fe2-4fc0-9398-c6118a63c1d6/episodes/f3147f06-5308-411e-a582-8cead2e4d087/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=4638a61f-6fe2-4fc0-9398-c6118a63c1d6&awEpisodeId=f3147f06-5308-411e-a582-8cead2e4d087&feed=426sXMl4
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Duration seconds: 1964

## Resource

NFL preseason debuts light up as Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Drew Allar spark optimism for the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Can these rookie quarterbacks sustain their momentum and accelerate their teams’ timelines? Joe Marino and Kyle Crabbs spotlight standout performances—Mendoza’s poise under center, Simpson’s touch on the move, and Allar’s newfound confidence—and break down the implications for each franchise's quarterback battle. Jeremiah Love’s high-profile but injury-shortened debut for the Arizona Cardinals raises fresh concerns about rookie expectations and guaranteed contracts in today’s NFL. Elsewhere, Von Miller eyes the all-time sack leaderboard with a move to the Dallas Cowboys, but will his sack-chasing style create defensive headaches? The hosts also track Day 2 wide receivers, including Jacoby Lane, DeZuan Stribling, and Caleb Douglas, all making noise in crowded position battles for the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins. Which breakout star will redefine their team’s offense this season?

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