Full Breakdown
Mendoza’s Preseason Debut Sparks Quarterback Competition in Las Vegas
8/16/2026, 2:08:45 AM
Core Event: Rookie Takes the Field
In the Raiders’ preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza—the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a six-yard touchdown to running back Mike Washington Jr. He was under pressure on 38.9 % of his dropbacks and recorded one sack. Veteran starter Kirk Cousins entered the game on the opening drive, finishing 5 of 6 for 50 yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer.
Background & Context
Mendoza arrives in Las Vegas with lofty expectations, having led Indiana to a national championship and earning the Heisman Trophy. The Raiders entered the 2026 season under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, formerly the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins returns after a stint in Minnesota, while Aidan O’Connell provides a third option on the depth chart. The coaching staff has framed the quarterback battle as a developmental process, emphasizing that the rookie is being “deliberately” eased into NFL speed and physicality.
Data & Statistics
- Mendoza: 10/16 completions, 97 yards, 1 TD, 38.9 % pressure rate, 1 sack.
- Cousins: 5/6 completions, 50 yards, 1 TD.
- Mendoza logged 31 offensive snaps; Cousins appeared only on the opening drive.
- The Raiders’ offense ran 27 plays in the first half, with Mendoza accounting for 14 of them.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Klint Kubiak emphasized that the three quarterbacks “deserve first-team reps” and that the staff is “putting a plan together” to allocate playing time.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's a pretty smart, mature player and person,” — Kirk Cousins, ongoing between veteran
- “That's something that we're talking about as a coaching staff right now,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach
- “The best quarterbacks I’ve been around are the ones who are hard on themselves,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach
- “Kirk’s been getting the reps with the ones. I think he’s had a solid training camp, and you know it’s his job to lose,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach
- “Unfortunately, I let my teammates down today,” — Fernando Mendoza
What’s Next
The Raiders will travel to Houston for a joint practice with the Texans next week, after which they face the Texans in a Thursday night preseason matchup. Kubiak has indicated that the team will continue to allocate “first-team reps” to all three quarterbacks as the preseason progresses, giving Mendoza additional opportunities to showcase his development before the regular season.
