Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 97 yards and a touchdown during a 27-14 preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night, completing 10 of 16 pass attempts across four series in his NFL debut.
Preseason Debut Statistics and Drive Breakdown
Mendoza opened his evening with a three-play series that yielded a single completion and ended in a punt after a holding penalty backed the Raiders up. His fortunes shifted on the second possession where he went 4-for-5 for 47 yards, capping the drive with the six-yard scoring strike to Bech. Overall, the rookie finished the contest completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards.
The performance placed Mendoza in rare company. He became the first top overall draft pick to throw a touchdown pass in his opening preseason game since 2018, when former Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield accomplished the feat against the New York Giants. Beyond the scoring play, Mendoza nearly connected on a fourth-quarter deep ball intended for Deven Thompkins and threaded a tight 19-yard pass in the second quarter between three defenders to fellow rookie Malik Benson.
Quarterback Rotation and Missing Personnel
Neither team relied heavily on its projected veteran starters for an extended look. Las Vegas quarterback Kirk Cousins played a single series, finishing 5 of 6 for 50 yards and a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer. Arizona answered in kind during the opening frame as Jacoby Brissett completed all five of his pass attempts for 44 yards, capped by a seven-yard scoring pass to Marvin Harrison Jr.
The expected collegiate championship rematch on the professional stage did not materialize. Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck was held out of the lineup due to sore ribs. Mendoza previously led Indiana to a 27-21 victory over Beck and Miami in the national title game in January.
Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby also sat out the contest, a decision that head coach Klint Kubiak indicated was pending earlier in the week. Crosby continues to participate in training camp following January knee surgery. Meanwhile, teammate Jermod McCoy returned to game action with the second-team defense at cornerback after missing nearly two years recovering from a torn ACL.
Cardinals Offense and First-Half Scoring Surge
Brissett and former Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew fueled an efficient first-half offensive display for Arizona. The pair combined to complete 15 passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns, building a 21-14 halftime lead. Minshew extended that streak into the second half before finally throwing an incomplete pass on a rollout to the right.
Arizona rookie Jeremiyah Love, selected third overall in the draft, also made his preseason debut and contributed 58 rushing yards on 11 carries.
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