Full Breakdown
Raiders Fall to Cardinals in Preseason Opener; Rookie Quarterback Shines Amid Growing Pains
8/15/2026, 8:08:54 AM
Core Event
On August 13, 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders opened their 2026 preseason against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. The Cardinals won 27–14. The Raiders used rookies and reserves, while the Cardinals rotated three quarterbacks—Gardner Minshew II, Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis—each posting passer ratings above 100.
Data & Statistics
- Cardinals offense: 68 snaps; 39 players saw action.
- Quarterback production: Brissett 5-of-5 for 44 yards and a TD; Minshew 14-of-16 for 101 yards and two TDs; Slovis 7-of-9 for 75 yards.
- Raiders quarterback play: No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza 10-of-16 for 97 yards, one TD, no interceptions. Backup Aidan O’Connell 4-of-13.
- Receiving highlights: Raiders rookie Jack Bech caught three passes (two first-downs, one TD). Mike Washington Jr. recorded a 53-yard run, the longest by a Raider in a preseason game since at least 2017.
- Defensive notes: Raiders secondary allowed all four Cardinals third-down conversions in the first half. The Raiders recorded seven pressures on 32 Cardinals dropbacks. Patrick Johnson logged six tackles and a sack; Jermod McCoy and Hezekiah Masses each surrendered multiple TD receptions.
- Injuries: Cardinals interior lineman Chase Bisontis suffered a left-knee MCL tear.
Winners and Losers
Raiders winners
- Fernando Mendoza – Solid debut, moving the ball efficiently after an initial jittery drive.
- Jack Bech – Validated his draft status with three catches, a TD, and a key block on a 53-yard run.
- Mike Washington Jr. – Provided a burst of explosiveness with a 53-yard gain.
Raiders losers
- Aidan O’Connell – Struggled with timing and accuracy.
- Jermod McCoy and Hezekiah Masses – Gave up multiple TD catches.
- Raiders secondary – Failed to stop any third-down attempts in the first half.
Cardinals winners
- Gardner Minshew II and Jacoby Brissett – Perfect passer ratings in limited action, each with a TD.
- Jalen Brooks – Six catches on six targets for 52 yards and a TD.
- Reggie Virgil – One-armed grab for a 24-yard gain.
Cardinals losers
- Chase Bisontis – Knee injury removes a potential contributor.
- Cardinals offensive line – Multiple false-start penalties.
Official Statements & Responses
The teams acknowledged the need to tighten discipline, noting seven penalties for over 70 yards before halftime.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur praised his unit’s execution, calling the win “incredible” and urging the squad to “keep working the right way” as the preseason continues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was great to get out there, get my feet wet,” — Fernando Mendoza
- “I don't care if it's ping pong, uno, football, whatever f---- window we're in, we're always going out there to f---- win,” — Mike LaFleur
What’s Next
Both clubs have two preseason games left before the regular season begins in September. The Raiders will look to improve secondary play and integrate rookie talent, while the Cardinals aim to solidify receiver depth and address interior-line injuries.
