Fernando Mendoza showcases growth in Raiders' loss to Cardinals
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 5:56 PM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut for the Las Vegas Raiders in a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on August 13, 2026. The Raiders lost 27-14. Mendoza displayed promise, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, though he faced challenges, including a sack on a key play. Coach Klint Kubiak noted Mendoza's potential for growth while Mendoza himself acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in decision-making under pressure. Despite the loss, Mendoza's performance is seen as a point of development for the Raiders' future.
- •Raiders lose to Cardinals 27-14 in preseason opener.
- •Mendoza throws first NFL touchdown and completes 10 of 16 passes.
- •He shows smart decision-making despite facing pressure.
- •Coach Kubiak emphasizes Mendoza's potential for growth.
- •Mendoza expresses need to improve after the loss.
- 5:56 PMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza delivers heartfelt message after Raiders debut
- 4:08 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Shouldn’t play Week 1’: ESPN analyst calms Fernando Mendoza hype after preseason debut
- 8:03 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza Gets Blunt on Preseason Debut After Raiders Loss
- 4:42 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza Shows Poise, Not Perfection, in Raiders Debut Loss to Cardinals
"The Las Vegas Raiders opened up their preseason with a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 13 at Allegiant Stadium. Despite the loss, there was a lot of excitement, as Fernando Mendoza took the field for the first time in Silver and Black.During his time out on the field, Mendoza went 10 of […] The post Fernando Mendoza Gets Blunt on Preseason Debut After Raiders Loss appeared first on HEAVY.
"We wouldn’t quite call it Fernando-mania, but Las Vegas Raiders fans are understandably excited about how No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza performed in his NFL preseason debut Thursday night. Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown across four drives in the Raiders’ 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The…
"Fernando Mendoza took his first NFL snap with 3:39 left in the opening quarter. By the time he came off […]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 5:56 PMFernando Mendoza delivers heartfelt message after Raiders debut
Fernando Mendoza was happy with his Las Vegas Raiders debut.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 4:08 PM‘Shouldn’t play Week 1’: ESPN analyst calms Fernando Mendoza hype after preseason debut
We wouldn’t quite call it Fernando-mania, but Las Vegas Raiders fans are understandably excited about how No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza performed in his NFL preseason debut Thursday night. Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown across four drives in the Raiders’ 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The…
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 8:03 AMFernando Mendoza Gets Blunt on Preseason Debut After Raiders Loss
The Las Vegas Raiders opened up their preseason with a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 13 at Allegiant Stadium. Despite the loss, there was a lot of excitement, as Fernando Mendoza took the field for the first time in Silver and Black.During his time out on the field, Mendoza went 10 of […] The post Fernando Mendoza Gets Blunt on Preseason Debut After Raiders Loss appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 4:42 AMFernando Mendoza Shows Poise, Not Perfection, in Raiders Debut Loss to Cardinals
Fernando Mendoza took his first NFL snap with 3:39 left in the opening quarter. By the time he came off […]
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