Fernando Mendoza impresses in debut as Raiders QB against Cardinals
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 4:36 PM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Fernando Mendoza made his NFL preseason debut for the Las Vegas Raiders on August 14, 2026, against the Arizona Cardinals. Relieving veteran Kirk Cousins, Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, showcasing impressive skills in the new offensive system. Despite some pressure from the Cardinals' defense, he demonstrated strong decision-making and quick release, completing his first pass to receiver Jack Bech and connecting for a touchdown on a subsequent drive. This performance builds excitement around Mendoza's potential as the Raiders' future franchise quarterback.
- •Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and 1 TD.
- •He replaced Kirk Cousins after a touchdown drive.
- •The rookie showed quick release and solid decision-making.
- •Mendoza's highlight included a 19-yard touchdown pass to Malik Benson.
- •He played into the early fourth quarter against Arizona.
- 4:36 PMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza Bashes Himself for His Play in NFL Preseason Debut: ‘I Let My Teammates Down’
- 5:09 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza unsatisfied with preseason debut: 'I let my teammates down'
- 3:38 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza impresses in preseason debut
- 2:45 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza debut grades: Raiders rookie QB teases greatness early in preseason
"Fernando Mendoza’s highly anticipated preseason debut is in the books. The Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback played in his first NFL game on Thursday against the Cleveland Browns. He didn’t waste time proving why he deserves to be the No.…
"Mendoza's first professional start featured a lot more good than bad. Here's everything you need to know about the rookie's day vs. Arizona.
"Fernando Mendoza was his own harshest critic of his NFL preseason debut with the Raiders, saying "I let my teammates down."
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 4:36 PMFernando Mendoza Bashes Himself for His Play in NFL Preseason Debut: ‘I Let My Teammates Down’
The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 27-14 in their first preseason game
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 5:09 AMFernando Mendoza unsatisfied with preseason debut: 'I let my teammates down'
Fernando Mendoza was his own harshest critic of his NFL preseason debut with the Raiders, saying "I let my teammates down."
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 3:38 AMFernando Mendoza impresses in preseason debut
Fernando Mendoza’s highly anticipated preseason debut is in the books. The Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback played in his first NFL game on Thursday against the Cleveland Browns. He didn’t waste time proving why he deserves to be the No.…
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 2:45 AMFernando Mendoza debut grades: Raiders rookie QB teases greatness early in preseason
Mendoza's first professional start featured a lot more good than bad. Here's everything you need to know about the rookie's day vs. Arizona.
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