Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza posts 97 yards and a touchdown in preseason debut

Fernando Mendoza threw a 79-yard touchdown drive in his preseason debut for the Raiders, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a 100.3 passer rating. The rookie appeared in four series from the first quarter through the early fourth quarter of the 27-14 exhibition loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He also took a sack after holding onto the ball too long, which he described as a learning moment.

"He's the same guy we've seen in practice," Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said, adding that Mendoza is an "ascending player" who "needs experience, needs reps, and we're going to give them to him."

Mendoza reflected on his performance, noting that the first series felt rushed, the second resulted in a score, and he missed a read in the third and a throw at the end of the fourth. He praised the blocking line and his teammates but said he "let my teammates down today" and emphasized the need to continue growing.

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was on the sidelines, called Mendoza "a pretty smart, mature player and person" and said he does not want to get in the rookie's way. The team also heard advice from former quarterback Tom Brady, who reminded players that the NFL is a different level than college or high school.

The Raiders plan to give Mendoza additional repetitions in two more preseason games against the Houston Texans and the San Francisco 49ers, as well as a joint practice with the Texans, according to Kubiak.