Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza meets Tom Brady every evening. 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 snapping the ball on deep throws. In practice they repeat the same drill repeatedly. The Raiders staff monitors 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.