Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza meets Tom Brady every night. They sit, review tape, and talk. Brady pulls from his time coaching Peyton Manning to show Mendoza how to read a defense. He points out Manning’s habit of verbalizing the play and of tightening the spiral on deep throws. In practice they run the same drill over and over. The Raiders staff watches the sessions.
They say Mendoza’s reads are more precise and his release is quicker. Mendoza believes the daily guidance could shape his entire career.