Raiders coach defends Mendoza, criticizes receiver in preseason finale

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak defended rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza while criticizing wide receiver Jalen Nailor during the team's preseason finale against the 49ers. Mendoza, who is likely to be the backup quarterback, completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, took two sacks, and threw an interception. The pick occurred when a high pass to Nailor bounced off his fingertips. Kubiak's comments aimed to boost Mendoza's confidence amid a challenging preseason for the rookie, who has thrown one touchdown and two interceptions over three games. Mendoza's performance against the 49ers marked the culmination of a mixed preseason.

• 12:26 AMYahoo Sports — Raiders coach throws receiver under bus, lets Fernando Mendoza off hook: ‘an excellent throw’