Rookie quarterback Mendoza learns steep NFL learning curve after preseason interception
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.
Heisman Trophy recipient Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to a national championship, made his first NFL start in a preseason game against the Houston Texans on Thursday night. The rookie quarterback completed eight of 15 passes for 86 yards before his third throw was intercepted by Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz and taken back 80 yards for a touchdown.
"It was not a good throw," Mendoza said of the pass to fullback Connor Heyward, adding that the play showed how "one tiny mistake can lead to catastrophe." He acknowledged that the transition from college to the professional ranks requires further development, stating, "I came away with that there’s a lot more learning to do, and that although maybe you had a lot of success at another level, this level is a whole step further."