Raiders Rookie Fernando Mendoza Impresses in Preseason Debut With 97 Yards & Touchdown

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made an impressive first appearance in an NFL uniform Thursday night, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown during the Raiders’ preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

Mendoza played four drives in the Raiders’ 27-14 loss to the Cardinals, giving Las Vegas fans an early glimpse of the No. 1 overall pick’s potential. His touchdown pass went to second-year wide receiver Jack Bech.

The performance was notable historically as well. Mendoza became the first No. 1 overall pick since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to throw a touchdown pass in his preseason debut.

Fernando Mendoza Shows Poise in Raiders Debut

Mendoza’s numbers were solid, but his composure appeared to attract even more attention. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak described the rookie as an “ascending player” after the game, while emphasizing that Mendoza still has plenty to learn as he adjusts to professional football.

The rookie was not completely satisfied with his performance. Following the game, Mendoza acknowledged that he needed to improve his timing and anticipation and said he planned to study the film closely. He even expressed disappointment that he had not done enough for his teammates, despite producing a touchdown on his first NFL preseason appearance.

That self-criticism did not appear to diminish the Raiders’ enthusiasm about his development.

Kirk Cousins Remains Raiders QB1

Despite Mendoza’s encouraging debut, veteran Kirk Cousins remains the expected starter entering the regular season. Cousins played only one series against Arizona and led the Raiders to a touchdown before giving way to the rookie.

That makes Mendoza’s preseason opportunities particularly important. The Raiders can give their highly drafted quarterback meaningful repetitions without immediately placing him under the pressure of starting an NFL regular-season game.

Mendoza entered the league after a spectacular college career at Indiana, where he won the 2025 Heisman Trophy and became the first overall selection in the 2026 NFL draft. His first preseason performance will inevitably fuel speculation about how quickly he could challenge Cousins for the starting job.

For now, however, the Raiders appear determined to develop him methodically.

The loss to Arizona ultimately matters little in the preseason. For Las Vegas, the bigger story was seeing its prized rookie handle his first extended taste of NFL action — and Mendoza gave the Raiders plenty of reason to remain excited about his future.