Top draft pick Fernando Mendoza throws touchdown in Raiders preseason loss to Cardinals

Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft, threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jack Bech during his preseason debut for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders were defeated 27-14 by the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night.

Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and led a four-play scoring drive, which Raiders coach Klint Kubiak praised, saying, "I thought he led a good scoring drive as far as getting in and out of the huddle and commanding the group and getting the play calls down. I saw the same guy that we’ve seen in practice. I see an ascending player."

The rookie quarterback acknowledged mistakes, stating, "Unfortunately, I let my teammates down today. But it's a growing experience, and I feel like we're all growing. It showed me that I need to grow a lot."

Mendoza became the first overall pick to throw a touchdown in his first preseason game since Baker Mayfield in 2018. He also completed a 19-yard pass to fellow rookie Malik Benson and missed a potential second touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed all five of his attempts for 44 yards and a 7-yard touchdown to Marvin Harrison Jr., while veteran Kirk Cousins was 5-of-6 for 50 yards and a 13-yard touchdown to Michael Mayer. Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said the team chose not to play quarterback Carson Beck, who is dealing with sore ribs, to avoid injury risk.

The Cardinals also saw rookie right guard Chase Bisontis sustain a left-knee injury, which LaFleur described as serious, and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love rushed for 58 yards on 11 carries. Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby was inactive after knee surgery, and teammate Jermod McCoy, returning from an ACL tear, played on the second-team defense.

The Raiders will travel to Houston next Thursday, while the Cardinals host the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 22.