Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza throws for 97 yards and a touchdown in preseason debut

Fernando Mendoza entered his first NFL game in the preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals and completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown over four drives. The Raiders were defeated 27-14, but the rookie’s performance drew praise from head coach Klint Kubiak, who said he saw “an ascending player” and emphasized the need for continued improvement.

Mendoza became the first No. 1 overall draft pick to throw a touchdown pass in his preseason debut since Baker Mayfield in 2018. After a shaky start that included two incompletions and a punt, he rallied on his second drive, delivering a 19-yard pass to rookie receiver Malik Benson and later a 6-yard touchdown to Jack Bech following a 53-yard run by Mike Washington Jr.

The quarterback acknowledged areas for growth, noting that the speed of NFL defenders and the travel demands were new challenges. He said, "> It showed me that I need to grow a lot. I'm definitely watching the game film after this."

Mendoza’s third drive ended in a three-and-out, but he finished the fourth drive with four completions for 44 yards, moving the Raiders into field-goal range, though kicker Kansei Matsuzawa missed the attempt.

Coach Kubiak reiterated that veteran Kirk Cousins remains the starter for Week 1, stating, "> It's his job to lose."

Benson praised Mendoza’s confidence and communication in the huddle, adding that the team still has work to do collectively.