NFL Fans Outraged As Rookie QB Tormented by Raiders Star Duo

The moment Maxx Crosby locked eyes with Fernando Mendoza across the huddle, the decision was already made. The Raiders’ defensive end wasn’t going to let a rookie quarterback settle into a Tuesday joint practice against the Falcons without a proper introduction. League sources confirm the ensuing scuffle—caught on video and flagged by Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman)—was less about a dirty hit and more about the brutal reality of Mendoza’s first taste of NFL speed.

Here’s what went down. During a 7-on-7 period in Flowery Branch, Crosby blew past the right tackle on a rep, got within a foot of Mendoza’s facemask, and gave him a hard shove well after the whistle. Kirk Cousins, standing 10 yards away, immediately stepped in, barking at Crosby while pushing him back. The scene devolved into a shoving match between both offensive and defensive lines, forcing coaches to separate the groups for a full five minutes before practice resumed.

Those close to the situation say Mendoza—the sixth-round pick out of Cal—was visibly rattled but didn’t back down, which earned him quiet respect from both sidelines. The Falcons’ front office has been quietly concerned about Mendoza’s transition after a stellar senior season that saw him throw for 3,800 yards and 28 touchdowns. But this wasn’t about completion percentage. It was about whether he could handle the psychological warfare that comes with the position.

Why it matters: The Falcons are in a delicate spot. They’ve committed $90 million guaranteed to Cousins for two more years, but the front office has been privately grooming Mendoza as the heir apparent. Getting bullied by Crosby—one of the league’s premier pass rushers—isn’t a red flag, but how he responds in the next two weeks will tell scouts whether he has the edge to survive Sundays.

What happens next: The teams meet again for a second joint session Thursday, and you can bet the Raiders will test him early. Mendoza’s agent has already talked to Falcons coaches about limiting his reps in live drills, though those close to the situation say the rookie pushed back, wanting to run with the ones. Unconfirmed chatter out of Atlanta suggests the coaching staff will let him take the first-team snaps for a series, just to see if he can shake off Tuesday’s wake-up call.

The tape is out. The message is clear. Now we find out if Mendoza can throw back.

Source: https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2083003964715569270