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Raiders Rally to Beat Texans After Mendoza Pick-Six

8/21/2026

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Summary

Mendoza Pick-Six

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw an 80-yard pick-six in the first half against the Houston Texans.
Mendoza completed eight of 15 passes for 86 yards with no touchdowns before leaving at halftime.
The Raiders trailed 20-3 at halftime after the Texans’ run and the pick-six.
Aidan O’Connell led a 96-yard drive ending with a 1-yard TD run to win 22-20.

Summary

Kubiak Develops Mendoza

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said veteran Kirk Cousins will start Week 1 while rookie J.J. Mendoza will develop.
Kubiak called the preseason a learning experience, noting the pick-six teaches Mendoza NFL speed.
Coaches flagged second-unit offensive line protection as problematic for Mendoza’s development.
Minority owner Tom Brady supports a professional redshirt for Mendoza, referencing his own early-career patience.

History

Historical Context

In 2001, after Drew Bledsoe’s September 23 injury, sixth-round pick Tom Brady took over for the New England Patriots and guided them to an 11-5 record and a Super Bowl XXXVI win. That patient “protect the rookie” approach echoes the Las Vegas Raiders’ current handling of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who may be given a professional redshirt to foster long-term stability.

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Mendoza Pick-Six

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw an 80-yard pick-six in the first half against the Houston Texans.
Mendoza completed eight of 15 passes for 86 yards with no touchdowns before leaving at halftime.
The Raiders trailed 20-3 at halftime after the Texans’ run and the pick-six.
Aidan O’Connell led a 96-yard drive ending with a 1-yard TD run to win 22-20.

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