Fernando Mendoza’s preseason debut: Rookie throws one TD, absorbs one big hit

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — On Thursday night, there were moments when Fernando Mendoza showed why he was the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. There were also moments when he looked like a rookie.

Making his NFL preseason debut for the Las Vegas Raiders, Mendoza finished 10-for-16 passing for 96 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. He took over for Kirk Cousins after the veteran led the Raiders to a touchdown on the team’s first offensive series. The last pass Mendoza threw in the first half was his lone touchdown of the night, a slant to second-year receiver Jack Bech on third-and-goal.

The touchdown was impressive, especially considering Mendoza took a sack on first down two plays earlier. But the TD wasn’t Mendoza’s lone highlight. A 19-yard connection to rookie receiver Malik Benson over the middle showed Mendoza is growing comfortable operating from under center and in the play-action game, questions about the quarterback after he operated in a shotgun-heavy scheme at the University of Indiana that frequently used run-pass option concepts.

Mendoza then led the Raiders down the field on his final drive with chunk passes to Dareke Young, Brandon Johnson and Dylan Laube before nearly missing Deven Thompkins in the end zone on his last pass of the night.

There were also rookie mistakes. Mendoza’s operation needed work, as the Raiders offense was called for four penalties with him at the helm. He threw rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. into harm’s way on his first drive, letting him get laid out by Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke. The sack came as Mendoza scrambled trying to make a play rather than throw the ball away. And Mendoza took another big hit on the final play of his third drive while extending out of the pocket.

The main thing the Raiders have wanted to see out of Mendoza since training camp began is how he overcomes adversity. He didn’t respond well on his first drive, but he thrived under the pressure on his second. He shook off the sack and made a smart choice on second down, connecting with Washington on a checkdown to help set up the Bech touchdown. Mendoza went three and out on his third drive, but then methodically marched the offense down the field before stalling.

The Raiders’ coaching staff has been clear that it views Mendoza as a work in progress. Thursday night showed why the Raiders are taking it slow, but also why Mendoza holds so much promise as the future face of the franchise.