RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Fernando Mendoza is looking forward to his growth in the NFL after making his preseason debut in the Las Vegas Raiders’ matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night.
Mendoza prepares for the rookie season of his NFL career with the Raiders. Following an incredible ending to a collegiate career at Indiana, the star quarterback went on to be the top overall pick of the 2026 draft as Las Vegas greatly valued his potential.
The Raiders look to him as the future, hoping to return to serious playoff contention in the AFC. Sharing time at the quarterback spot with Kirk Cousins in the preseason, it was an opportunity for Mendoza to show his chops
Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown during four drives. He reflected on his performance after the game, stating there is room for him to grow in significant fashion.
“It showed me that I need to grow a lot,” Mendoza said, via ESPN. “I’m definitely [watching the game film] after this. I have nothing else to do tonight.”
Mendoza’s first drive wasn’t what he hoped for, throwing two incompletions that ended in a Las Vegas punt. Mendoza said he felt too much excitement, causing him to be anxious in the pocket. He credited his teammates for calming him down after that drive.
He improved in a big way on the second drive. Mendoza threw the ball past Arizona’s linebackers and safeties for a 19-yard completion to rookie wide receiver Malik Benson. Eventually, rookie running back Mike Washington Jr.’s 53-yard carry helped set up Mendoza’s 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jack Bech to tie the score at 14 with 3:16 to go in the second quarter.
“[I] look at the next play as a new opportunity because that’s the only one that matters, and that’s how you bounce back from adversity,” Mendoza said.
How Fernando Mendoza and Raiders Played Against Cardinals
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Fernando Mendoza has a high ceiling with a great skillset to show for it as the Raiders’ long-term quarterback. He will be active in competition with Kirk Cousins for the starting job this year.
However, Las Vegas was unable to get past Arizona after losing by a 27-14 score. The Cardinals outmatched the hosts in the first half with a 21-14 advantage, adding another six points in the third quarter to have more distance. The Raiders were unable to respond as the team went scoreless for the entire second half.
The Raiders have two preseason games left on the schedule, facing the Houston Texans on Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. ET and the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. ET. After that, their regular season begins at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13 at 4:25 p.m. ET.
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