First overall pick Fernando Mendoza’s first taste of NFL action was in a blowout defeat to mentor Tom Brady’s former team.Not that the Heisman winner could have done much about it, having been thrown in late in the fourth quarter trailing 45-17 to the New England Patriots.Mendoza looked good, albeit against prevent defenseGettyHis first pass went two yards to running back Dylan Laube as Mendoza put together a solid stat sheet with 6-of-8 passing for 48 yards.He also took one carry for three yards and the early reaction on social media was positive toward the man expected to lead the Silver and Black into a new era..“He actually looked good, good zip and quick decisions,” wrote one fan.“Start him for the rest of the season,” pleaded another.“Mendoza passing the looks like he belongs test, all that we can ask for in the first cup of coffee,” a third noted.Kirk Cousins had led the Raiders to a 3-0 start before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in a nail-biter.Mendoza might be the future, but the 38-year-old is the present.Kirk Cousins expected to keep QB1 jersey vs Buffalo BillsThe Pats ensured back-to-back losses for Las Vegas, but Cousins will likely be back at the helm against the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.He was 19-of-28 for 243 yards and a touchdown through the air and was only sidelined to give Mendoza a run with the game over.The Raiders defense did the vet no favors as Drake Maye returned to form with 374 yards and four scores.Maye put his early-season struggles behind himGettyMendoza is being protected behind CousinsGettyLas Vegas also struggled on the ground despite Ashton Jeanty being fit enough to play and will need to rediscover the magic as the schedule gets tougher.Raiders co-owner Brady was on the call for the San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks and will be keen to dive into the tape to see if he can share some wisdom with the man being groomed to take over.If the L’s keep coming, it may not be long before Mendoza is thrown in when it matters.Join talkSPORT’s dedicated US Sports YouTube channel The S* Word every Tuesday and Thursday for our brand new NFL shows.On Tuesdays, Will Gavin and US senior reporter Brian T. Smith will debate the biggest talking points from the NFL weekend, while on Thursdays Efe Obada joins the crew to talk to players past and present and break down what to look for across the league.