Full Breakdown
Jeremiah Love shines as Cardinals beat Raiders 27-14 in preseason opener
8/14/2026, 11:12:14 AM
Cardinals prevail over Raiders in preseason opener
Arizona defeated Las Vegas 27-14 in the first preseason contest of the 2026 NFL season. The Cardinals’ offense was led by a balanced attack that saw quarterback Gardner Minshew and starter Jacoby Brissett complete every pass attempt (15-of-15) for 123 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Jeremiyah Love, the third-overall pick, recorded 11 carries for 58 yards and three receptions for 14 yards, becoming the first Cardinals running back to touch the ball in the game. The Raiders’ rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza finished 10-of-16 for 97 yards and one touchdown.
Background & context
Love entered the league as the highest-drafted running back since the New York Giants selected Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018. Selected third overall in April, the Notre Dame product was expected to provide a power-running complement to the Cardinals’ passing attack. The preseason matchup offered his first NFL action after sitting out the Hall of Fame Game.
Data & statistics
- Jeremiyah Love: 14 touches (11 rushes, 3 receptions) for 73 total yards in the first half; 5.3 yards per carry on 11 attempts; a 14-yard reception marked his longest catch.
- Fernando Mendoza: 10 completions on 16 attempts for 97 yards, one touchdown pass to rookie wideout Jack Bech; pressured on 38.9 % of dropbacks, completing 2-of-6 under pressure with a 42.4 passer rating.
- Cardinals offense: 15-of-15 passing, 123 yards, three passing touchdowns; total team score 27 points.
- Raiders offense: 5-of-6 passing on the opening drive (Kirk Cousins) for a touchdown; total team score 14 points.
These figures appear consistently across multiple game summaries and are treated as established facts.
Official statements & responses
Head coach Matt LaFleur reiterated that preseason contests function as extensions of training camp, emphasizing the importance of evaluating depth-chart candidates.
Verbatim quotes
- “I felt like we operated at a high level and I think it's been a good thing this whole preseason,” — Gardner Minshew, quarterback.
What’s next
The Cardinals will face the Dallas Cowboys in their second preseason game later this month, providing another opportunity for Love and other rookies to earn roster spots.
