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Fernando Mendoza throws touchdown in Raiders' loss to Cardinals

5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 6:24 AM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Fernando Mendoza throws touchdown in Raiders' loss to Cardinals
Summary

The Las Vegas Raiders faced the Arizona Cardinals in their preseason opener on Thursday at Allegiant Stadium, ultimately losing 27-14. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and throwing a six-yard touchdown to Jack Bech. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins also played well, leading an opening touchdown drive. Although the Raiders tied the game at 14, Arizona scored two additional touchdowns and maintained control in the second half. The performance provided the Raiders with a promising glimpse of their new quarterback tandem.

Source Links
ESPNThe Guardian SportYahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Raiders lose to Cardinals 27-14 on August 14 in preseason opener
  • •Kirk Cousins leads opening touchdown drive for Raiders
  • •Fernando Mendoza records one touchdown in debut
  • •Mendoza passes for 97 yards with 10 completions
  • •Arizona pulls away in second half, scoring twice
Latest Updates
  • 6:23 AMESPN — 'Ascending' QB Mendoza throws TD pass in debut
  • 3:44 AMThe Guardian Sport — No 1 pick Fernando Mendoza throws for touchdown in Las Vegas Raiders preseason debut
  • 3:20 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza Debuts With a Touchdown as Raiders Fall to Cardinals
What they're saying
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Heisman winner finishes 10 of 16 for 97 yards Arizona beat Las Vegas 27-14 on Thursday night Love rushes for 58 yards in Cardinals debut No 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza threw a touchdown pass in his preseason debut for the Las Vegas Raiders in a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night. The Heisman Trophy winner led one touchdown drive for the Raiders (1-0) in four series – not including a kneel-down at the end of the first half – and finished 10 of 16 for 97 yards and a six-yard TD pass to Jack Bech. Continue reading...

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The Las Vegas Raiders opened the preseason with plenty of excitement surrounding their new-look quarterback room, but Thursday night ended with a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. For Raiders fans, however, the final score wasn’t the only story. The night marked the first NFL game for Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1…

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Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown on four drives against the Cardinals.

— ESPNby Ryan McFadden
Related Teams & Leagues
Arizona CardinalsLas Vegas RaidersNFLFootball

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