Raiders rookie quarterback Mendoza shows promise in preseason loss to Cardinals
The Raiders were defeated 27-14 by the Arizona Cardinals, but rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza and several first-year players displayed notable performances.
The Las Vegas Raiders fell 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals in a Thursday night preseason game, but the contest highlighted several promising moments from the team's younger players. Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, including a 19-yard strike to Malik Benson and a six-yard touchdown pass to Jack Bech.
"It was great to get out there, get my feet wet," Mendoza said after his debut. "I feel like my teammates protected me and helped slow me down."
Mendoza also acknowledged the loss, noting the need for further development. On defense, the Raiders struggled, allowing the Cardinals to convert multiple third-downs and score on their early drives. Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw a touchdown to Marvin Harrison Jr., while Gardner Minshew completed 14 of 16 passes for 101 yards and two red-zone touchdowns.
Despite the defensive lapses, edge rusher Patrick Johnson and undrafted rookie Cian Slone each recorded two sacks, and rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. posted a 53-yard run, the longest by a Raiders player in preseason action since 2017.
"We went halfback draw and it just hit perfectly," Washington said.
Head coach Kubiak emphasized the need for continued growth ahead of the team's next preseason matchup against the Houston Texans.
"As a team, we've got a lot of growth to do. Starts tomorrow."