Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza shows promise in preseason debut vs. Cardinals
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 2:28 AM
Last updated Aug 21, 2026
Fernando Mendoza made his highly anticipated preseason debut for the Las Vegas Raiders on August 18 against the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie quarterback completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards, including one touchdown, in a 27-14 loss. While he exhibited strong performance, reviews were mixed, with Mendoza receiving a 'B+' grade. His first NFL touchdown was an impressive low pass to receiver Jack Bech. Other rookies, including Ty Simpson of the Rams, received higher grades after standout performances. Mendoza's debut indicates potential, despite the team’s overall defeat.
- •Mendoza played against the Arizona Cardinals in his debut on August 18.
- •He completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown.
- •Mendoza received a 'B+' grade for his performance.
- •The Raiders lost the game 27-14 to the Cardinals.
- •Mendoza's debut was noted for showing potential despite rookie jitters.
- 2:48 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza Shows Flashes in Second Preseason Appearance Against Texans
- 2:28 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza uneven in Raiders preseasons start: Instant analysis, grades
- 12:54 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza throws preseason INT, chases opponent 50 yards
- 3:10 PMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza Branded “A Better-Throwing Version of Dak” Prescott by Ex-ESPN Veteran
- 12:36 PMYahoo Sports — Did Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza ace preseason debut vs. Cardinals?
"Rookie Quarterback Delivers Mixed Performance Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza received an extended opportunity Thursday night against the Houston Texans, playing through the first half in his second preseason appearance. The No. 1 overall pick showed some impressive flashes, but also made a costly mistake as the Raiders fell behind early. Mendoza finished…
"The Las Vegas Raiders dropped their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, 27-14, but the team got to see first overall pick Fernando Mendoza in action in an actual NFL game for the first time. The rookie completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown.
"Raiders star Fernando Mendoza played up to expectations in his preseason debut against the Cardinals, but may not have aced his performance.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 2:48 AMFernando Mendoza Shows Flashes in Second Preseason Appearance Against Texans
Rookie Quarterback Delivers Mixed Performance Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza received an extended opportunity Thursday night against the Houston Texans, playing through the first half in his second preseason appearance. The No. 1 overall pick showed some impressive flashes, but also made a costly mistake as the Raiders fell behind early. Mendoza finished…
- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 2:28 AMFernando Mendoza uneven in Raiders preseasons start: Instant analysis, grades
Fernando Mendoza was back in action for the Raiders in Week 2 of the NFL preseason. Here's a full breakdown of how he played.
- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 12:54 AMFernando Mendoza throws preseason INT, chases opponent 50 yards
Fernando Mendoza's second preseason game hit a snag when the Raiders QB threw an interception.
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 3:10 PMFernando Mendoza Branded “A Better-Throwing Version of Dak” Prescott by Ex-ESPN Veteran
The Las Vegas Raiders dropped their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, 27-14, but the team got to see first overall pick Fernando Mendoza in action in an actual NFL game for the first time. The rookie completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown.
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 12:36 PMDid Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza ace preseason debut vs. Cardinals?
Raiders star Fernando Mendoza played up to expectations in his preseason debut against the Cardinals, but may not have aced his performance.
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