Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his NFL preseason debut on Thursday, participating in the team’s opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Mendoza acknowledged the significant difference in competition level compared to his previous experience. He noted that the NFL operates on a distinct level, a reality he felt during the game, indicating a need for continued growth.
Mendoza, who recently completed a notable college football season leading Indiana to a national title, still faces a learning curve as he begins his professional career. During the preseason game, he completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and recorded a touchdown across four drives. This performance made him the first No. 1 pick since 2018 to throw a touchdown pass in a preseason debut.
His debut featured moments of strong play, but also highlighted areas for development as he adjusts to the speed of the NFL. Mendoza’s initial drive resulted in two incompletions, leading to a punt. However, he quickly recovered on his second drive, where he connected with wide receiver Jake Bech for a 6-yard touchdown pass, which tied the score at 14. Despite the Raiders‘ 27-14 defeat by the Cardinals, Mendoza’s overall performance was seen as encouraging.
Kubiak on quarterback roles
Head coach Klint Kubiak addressed the quarterback situation, indicating that Kirk Cousins is currently the starting quarterback. Cousins began the preseason game by completing five of six passes for 50 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer. Kubiak stated that Cousins has been taking reps with the first-team offense and has had a solid training camp, implying that the starting job is his to lose.
While Mendoza demonstrated promising moments, Kubiak noted that the rookie still has areas to improve. The coach observed that Mendoza led a successful scoring drive and showed consistency in commanding the huddle and executing play calls, similar to his practice performance. Kubiak described Mendoza as an ascending player who needs to continue developing.
The Raiders organization selected Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, viewing him as a potential franchise quarterback for the future. However, the timeline for him to claim that role permanently rests on his continued progress. For the upcoming regular-season opener on September 13 against the Dolphins in Las Vegas, Cousins is expected to be the starting quarterback.
Mendoza’s experience in college, where he led Indiana to their first national title, underscores his past achievements. Despite this, the transition to the professional level presents new challenges. His performance against the Cardinals offered a glimpse into his potential, showcasing both his ability to make impactful plays and the need for further refinement as he adapts to the demands of the NFL.
The coaching staff’s assessment suggests a clear path for both quarterbacks: Cousins maintains the starting position for now, while Mendoza focuses on development. The rookie’s ability to regroup after initial challenges in his debut, culminating in a touchdown pass, highlights his resilience and potential for future growth within the Raiders organization.
The preseason opener provided valuable experience for Mendoza, allowing him to measure himself against NFL competition. His comments post-game reflected an understanding of the higher stakes and increased intensity of professional football, setting the stage for his continued development throughout the season.
The Raiders‘ strategy appears to involve nurturing Mendoza’s talent while relying on Cousins’ experience in the immediate term. This approach allows Mendoza to gain further experience and refine his skills without the immediate pressure of being the primary starter. The team’s long-term vision for Mendoza as a franchise quarterback remains, with his progress being a key focus for the coaching staff.
Mendoza’s debut, marked by a touchdown pass and an encouraging overall performance despite the loss, provides a foundation for his continued work. The Raiders will continue to monitor his development as the season progresses, building towards his eventual role as a key player for the team.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.