Full Breakdown
Fernando Mendoza’s Preseason Debut Shows Promise Amid Growing Pains
8/14/2026, 11:17:20 AM
Game Overview
In the Raiders’ 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza entered the contest in the first quarter and completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a six-yard touchdown to wide receiver Jack Bech. He ran four drives, producing a scoring drive in the second quarter and moving the Raiders into field-goal range in the fourth before a missed 38-yard attempt. Veteran starter Kirk Cousins led the opening series with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer.
Background & Context
Mendoza was selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft and entered the league as the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana. His preseason appearance marked the first time a top overall pick threw a touchdown pass in his first preseason game since Baker Mayfield did so in 2018. The Raiders entered the game with a mix of second-team offensive players and a few first-team linemen, as head coach Klint Kubiak sought to evaluate the rookie’s transition to NFL speed.
Data & Statistics
- Passing: 10-of-16, 97 yards, 1 TD
- Drives: 4 (one scoring, one three-and-out, two mixed)
- Touchdown: 6-yard pass to Jack Bech (second drive)
- Field-goal attempt: 38 yards, missed by kicker Kansei Matsuzawa
- Historical note: First No. 1 overall pick with a preseason TD since Baker Mayfield, 2018
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza’s command of the huddle and his ability to adjust, noting that the rookie displayed the same traits seen in practice. He emphasized that the veteran quarterback remains the starter for Week 1, describing Cousins’ role as “his job to lose.” Mendoza’s post-game comments focused on the need for growth, citing the faster defenders and the increased autonomy of NFL life as areas requiring adaptation. He also highlighted the strong blocking and route running of his teammates while acknowledging missed reads and timing issues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I look forward to seeing him out there with his teammates. [There] are a lot of guys that we need to evaluate, but he will get plenty of reps,” — Klint Kubiak, coach — Klint Kubiak, head coach
- “As far as getting in and out of the huddle and commanding the group and getting the play calls down, I saw the same guy that we've seen in practice," Kubiak said in a postgame news conference.” — Klint Kubiak, coach — Klint Kubiak, head coach
- “It showed me that I need to grow a lot,” — Fernando Mendoza, the coach — Fernando Mendoza, quarterback
- “That was the first time I've ever done that because usually college, you just hop on the bus,” — Fernando Mendoza, the coach — Fernando Mendoza, quarterback
- “That will be a whole other animal,” — Klint Kubiak, coach — Klint Kubiak, head coach
What’s Next
Kubiak indicated that Mendoza will receive “plenty of reps” in upcoming preseason contests while the starting quarterback position remains with Cousins. The coaching staff plans to continue evaluating Mendoza’s progress as he gains experience against first-team competition.
