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Raiders Rally After Fernando Mendoza Pick-Six Win

8/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Fernando Mendoza threw an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Houston Texans.
He completed eight of fifteen passes for 86 yards before leaving the game.
Despite the pick-six, the Raiders rallied to win 22-20.
Coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza’s effort after the turnover.
Mendoza told ESPN’s Laura Rutledge that Joe Buck needs more love than Troy Aikman.

History

Historical Context

After the AFL-NFL merger was announced on June 8, 1966 and completed in 1970, the 26-team league placed the Oakland Raiders in the new AFC, where they posted an 8-4-2 record and a 3-2 winning mark against old-line NFL clubs. In 2024, Raiders safety Fernando Mendoza’s 80-yard interception echoed that historic rivalry by sparking a comeback against the Houston Texans.

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Story summary

Fernando Mendoza threw an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Houston Texans.
He completed eight of fifteen passes for 86 yards before leaving the game.
Despite the pick-six, the Raiders rallied to win 22-20.
Coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza’s effort after the turnover.
Mendoza told ESPN’s Laura Rutledge that Joe Buck needs more love than Troy Aikman.

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