Fernando Mendoza has one preseason game left.

After the pick-six against Houston, Mendoza didn’t win the Raiders’ starting QB job — but Klint Kubiak still hasn’t publicly closed the competition.

So what happens Thursday night against the 49ers?

Eric the Clueless Sportz Dad and Raider Greg debate what Mendoza needs to show in his final preseason opportunity, whether Kirk Cousins has already done enough to be the obvious Week 1 starter, and whether the Raiders’ actions throughout camp tell us the QB decision has already been made.

Plus:

• The latest Ashton Jeanty injury discussion and why CSD would rather be right than first
• How important Jeanty is to Klint Kubiak’s offense
• What we need to see from the Raiders offensive line
• Signs of what Rob Leonard may actually be building on defense
• Trayton Stukes’ opportunity in the secondary
• Special teams concerns heading toward Week 1
• Eric and Greg’s three biggest things to watch against San Francisco

🏴‍☠️ RAIDER NATION:

Who should start Week 1 — Fernando Mendoza or Kirk Cousins?

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The Raiders asked their young players to prove something against Houston — but Fernando Mendoza wasn't the biggest problem. Eric and Raider Greg break down why Kirk Cousins remains QB1, what's going wrong with the Raiders defense, the concerning linebacker depth, and which young players actually helped themselves.

Mike Washington continues to rise, Jermod McCoy responds, Trey Zuhn shows promise, Patrick Johnson makes his case — but missed tackles, defensive breakdowns and special-teams mistakes leave some serious questions heading toward Week 1.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Raiders vs. Texans — What Happened?
00:41 Fernando Mendoza Gets His Shot
02:51 Mendoza Wasn't the Problem
03:35 What Happened to the Raiders Offense?
06:12 Trey Zuhn & Mike Washington Impress
08:24 Raiders RB3 Battle
10:34 Raiders Defense Has a BIG Problem
11:54 Linebacker Depth Is a Concern
12:54 McCoy & Masses Show Improvement
15:44 Raiders Have a Tackling Problem
17:30 Did the Raiders Do Mendoza Dirty?
19:27 What Happened to Charles Crawford?
21:49 Raiders Defensive Line Risers
23:00 Patrick Johnson Makes His Case
26:35 Raiders Special Teams Is a Mess
28:37 Two Raiders Deserve Credit
31:06 Kirk Cousins Is Still QB1

Follow Clueless Sportz Dad for Raiders reactions, postgame breakdowns, game previews and NFL talk all season long.

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The Raiders offense has Raider Nation excited. Now the defense has to answer. Eric and Raider Greg break down what Rob Leonard's unit needs to show against Houston, the young secondary, Kieran Crawford and the defensive line—plus Fernando Mendoza, Kirk Cousins, Trey Zuhn and the young Raiders fighting for roster spots. Forget the preseason score. We're grading the response.

On this edition of CSD NFL Blitz, Eric the Clueless Sportz Dad breaks down the rookie quarterback conversation and explains why the numbers don't tell the whole story.

We compare Simpson and Mendoza, their performances, opportunities, offensive systems and the dramatically different situations they've entered with the Rams and Raiders.

Plus: why Las Vegas should give Mendoza more preseason work, the Raiders' improving offensive line, the young weapons surrounding their quarterback of the future and what this new generation of NFL quarterbacks could look like.

Ty Simpson looks legit.

Fernando Mendoza does too.

It's time to look beyond the box score.

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The Raiders finally gave us our first real look at Klint Kubiak’s offense — and Raider Nation should be excited.

Eric and Raider Greg break down the Raiders vs. Cardinals preseason matchup, including Fernando Mendoza’s performance, Jack Bech’s statement game, Mike Washington Jr.’s explosiveness and why Kubiak’s play calling could completely change this offense.

But it wasn’t all good.

The Raiders secondary struggled, the defense had trouble generating pressure and several young players now have plenty to prove.

Plus: our biggest risers, fallers, surprises and concerns coming out of the game.

🏴‍☠️ Sports. Life. Family. No Filter.

The wait is over. Raiders football is back.

Eric and Raider Greg preview the Las Vegas Raiders’ preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals and break down what Raider Nation should actually be watching — beyond the scoreboard.

🔥 Klint Kubiak’s offense makes its debut
🔥 Rob Leonard’s defense gets its first test
🔥 Fernando Mendoza gets his chance to show what the future could look like
🔥 Position battles and roster spots are on the line
🔥 Malik Benson’s speed and the Raiders WR competition
🔥 Young players looking to make a statement

Don’t watch the scoreboard. Watch the future.

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Spotify Episode Type: Full Episode
Explicit: Yes — if we used our normal language during the show
Season/Episode: I’d leave these blank unless you’ve already been numbering the podcast episodes.

For years, Raider Nation has been waiting for the Las Vegas Raiders to establish a true offensive identity. Could that finally happen in 2026?

In this episode of the Clueless Sportz Dad Podcast, Eric and Raider Greg break down why Klint Kubiak's offensive system, Rick Dennison's offensive line coaching, and Ashton Jeanty's explosive talent could transform the Raiders into one of the NFL's top rushing attacks.

We discuss why Jeanty is primed for a Year 2 breakout, how Mike Washington fits perfectly into the outside zone scheme, the battle for the RB3 spot, and why Rick Dennison may be the most underrated offseason addition in the NFL. We also share our bold predictions for the Raiders' running game, fantasy football outlooks, and whether Ashton Jeanty has legitimate MVP potential.

If you're excited about the future of the Silver and Black, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🏴‍☠️ Topics Include:

• Ashton Jeanty's Year 2 breakout potential
• Rick Dennison's impact on the offensive line
• Why Klint Kubiak's system fits the Raiders perfectly
• Mike Washington's role in the offense
• RB3 competition and roster battles
• Fantasy football outlook for the Raiders backfield
• Bold predictions for the 2026 season
• Can the Raiders build one of the NFL's best rushing attacks?

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Is the Raiders wide receiver room actually underrated?

Eric and Raider Greg break down every receiver on the roster, predict breakout stars, discuss Clint Kubiak's offensive system, and explain why Raider Nation shouldn't panic about this young group.

Could this be one of the NFL's biggest surprises?

In this episode of the Clueless Sportz Dad Podcast, Eric and Raider Greg dive deep into what could become one of the NFL's most improved defensive units heading into the 2026 season.

Can new Defensive Coordinator Rob Leonard unlock the full potential of Maxx Crosby, Quidi Pay, Malcolm Koonce, Quay Walker, N'Kobe Dean, Jeremy Chinn, and a talented young secondary?

The guys also discuss the growing Vita Vea trade rumors, who must step up opposite Maxx Crosby, why the linebacker room could become the identity of the defense, and what aggressive play-calling could finally mean for Raider Nation.

If this defense reaches its ceiling, the Raiders won't just compete—they'll become a legitimate playoff threat.

🎙 Topics include:
• Rob Leonard's defensive philosophy
• Defensive line outlook
• Vita Vea rumors
• Maxx Crosby's supporting cast
• Quay Walker & N'Kobe Dean
• Secondary battles
• Training camp storylines
• 2026 expectations

Follow the Clueless Sportz Dad Podcast for weekly Raiders and NFL coverage.

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Fernando Mendoza's road to becoming the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback won't be decided by training camp rumors or anonymous insider reports—it'll be determined by whether Clint Kubiak's new offensive system can unlock the rookie quarterback's full potential. In this episode of the Clueless Sportz Dad Podcast, Eric, Raider Greg, and Coach Dan Meyer from Trench Mafia dive into one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2026 NFL season: should Fernando Mendoza start Week 1, or is Kirk Cousins still the best option to lead the Raiders?

The conversation centers around the Raiders' rebuilt offense and whether offensive line coach Rick Dennison can transform the unit into one of the strengths of the team. The crew breaks down how the development of Tyler Linderbaum, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Kolton Miller, DJ Glaze, and the rest of the offensive line could determine not only Mendoza's success, but also the impact of stars like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. They debate whether Mendoza's athleticism, mobility, and long-term upside outweigh Kirk Cousins' experience and command of the offense, while also discussing the value of developing a franchise quarterback on his rookie contract.

The discussion also explores why so many reports surrounding the Raiders quarterback competition should be viewed with skepticism, how anonymous "insider" rumors shape fan expectations, and what training camp and preseason should actually tell Raider Nation. Eric argues that Mendoza should take his lumps now and grow with the young core, while Raider Greg makes the case that Cousins gives the Raiders the best chance to win early. Coach Dan challenges the entire idea of delaying Mendoza's development, insisting that building toward the future is more important than chasing a mediocre season.

The episode wraps up with a look at the Raiders' defensive outlook, questions surrounding the defensive line and nose tackle position, and what Pete Carroll's new era could mean for the future of the franchise. If you're looking for honest Raiders analysis, NFL quarterback debate, AFC West discussion, and passionate football conversation, this episode delivers.

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