By Blessing Nweke
Fernando Mendoza made an encouraging first impression in his NFL preseason debut Thursday night, throwing a touchdown pass for the Las Vegas Raiders despite the team’s 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
The rookie quarterback, selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown in his first professional game. His performance offered Raiders fans an early glimpse of why the team invested its top draft selection in the former Indiana star.
Mendoza’s first touchdown as a Raider came when he connected with second-year wide receiver Jack Bech on a six-yard scoring pass. The play capped a nine-play, 79-yard drive and helped Las Vegas answer Arizona’s early pressure.
Although preseason statistics do not carry the weight of regular-season results, Mendoza’s poise and accuracy drew attention. He avoided interceptions and showed confidence operating the Raiders’ offense, giving coaches valuable information as they evaluate their quarterback options.
Veteran Kirk Cousins also performed efficiently, completing five of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. His showing means the Raiders’ quarterback situation remains an important storyline heading into the rest of the preseason.
The Raiders ultimately struggled to contain the Cardinals, who pulled away for the victory. Still, the result was less important for Las Vegas than seeing its highly touted rookie handle his first NFL action.
Mendoza will have more opportunities to develop as the preseason continues. For Raiders supporters, his touchdown debut provided an exciting early sign of what the No. 1 pick could eventually bring to the franchise.
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