Raiders rookie quarterback Mendoza struggles, cites steep NFL learning curve

Raiders rookie quarterback Mendoza struggles, cites steep NFL learning curve

Sports

NBC Sports reported that Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza said the preseason interception showed the higher level of competition after his first NFL appearance on August 20, 2026. Earlier, NBC Sports noted that Mendoza was sacked, hit several times and threw the interception that resulted in a touchdown, leaving the Raiders trailing 20-3 at halftime.

NFL. com had earlier highlighted that the Raiders faced heavy pressure from the Houston Texans' backup defense in the second preseason week, while the Texans' reserves dominated the game.

Actors

Fernando Mendoza Las Vegas Raiders Houston Texans Wade Woodaz Maxx Crosby Matt Gay Aidan O’Connell Jalen Nailor Arizona Cardinals

Locations

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Houston, Texas, United States Arizona, United States

Articles

August 21, 2026
5 total
Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza sends friendly greeting to ESPN's Joe Buck during preseason broadcast
Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza sends friendly greeting to ESPN's Joe Buck during preseason broadcast

Awful Announcing • 21 Aug 13:38

In his second preseason appearance, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza chatted with ESPN host Laura Rutledge and offered a greeting to play-by-play announcer Joe Buck, prompting light-hearted banter with commentators.

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Rookie quarterback Mendoza learns steep NFL learning curve after preseason interception
Rookie quarterback Mendoza learns steep NFL learning curve after preseason interception

NBC Sports • 21 Aug 12:48

Indiana Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza struggled in his NFL preseason debut, throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown, and said the experience highlighted the higher level of competition.

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Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza struggles as Texans dominate first half
Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza struggles as Texans dominate first half

NBC Sports • 21 Aug 01:51

Top draft pick Fernando Mendoza was sacked, hit multiple times and threw an interception returned for a touchdown, leaving the Raiders trailing 20-3 at halftime.

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Raiders rookie quarterback throws interception returned 80 yards for touchdown in NFL debut
Raiders rookie quarterback throws interception returned 80 yards for touchdown in NFL debut

New York Post • 21 Aug 00:51

In his first NFL start, Raiders first-round pick Fernando Mendoza threw an interception that Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz returned 80 yards for a touchdown.

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Preseason Week 2 Highlights: Raiders struggle, Texans dominate with rookie play
Preseason Week 2 Highlights: Raiders struggle, Texans dominate with rookie play

NFL.com • 21 Aug 00:06

In Thursday's preseason games, the Raiders' top draft pick faced heavy pressure against a strong Texans backup defense, while Houston's reserves shone and San Francisco's rookies made notable contributions.

Credibility 72% Manip. 27% Center

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