Fernando Mendoza's Mixed Performance in Raiders' Preseason Game Against Texans
The Las Vegas Raiders faced the Houston Texans in their second preseason game, which did not go as planned, with Houston leading 20-3 at halftime. Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza played the entire first half, delivering a performance that included both positive moments and areas of concern.
Mendoza completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards, including a pick-6 against a Houston defense that, while not featuring its top unit, remains strong. He had notable plays, such as a successful pass to Jalen Nailor on the opening drive and a crucial connection with Malik Benson on a 3rd-and-17. However, the Raiders managed only a single scoring drive, resulting in a 51-yard field goal.
The interception occurred during a miscommunication with Mike Washington, who failed to position himself correctly, leading to an 80-yard return for a touchdown. Mendoza faced pressure from the offensive line, which contributed to his struggles. His comfort level in under-center plays was evident, as he had limited experience in that setup during college. Despite the challenges, Mendoza's talent was visible when he settled into the pocket. The Raiders' offensive struggles and the established position of Kirk Cousins as the starter indicate that Mendoza will need more opportunities to develop before the regular season.
