Fernando Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown on four drives in his NFL preseason debut as the Raiders fell to the Cardinals 27-14, ESPN reported.
While coaches acknowledged the performance had its moments, the verdict on Mendoza's immediate impact differs by source. Several outlets noted he "flashed stellar playmaking ability," yet Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak made clear Kirk Cousins remains entrenched as the starter. Per Pro Football Talk, Kubiak said it's "Cousins' job to lose" and that the veteran will continue working with the first-string offense.
Mendoza's own assessment was harsher than the coaching staff's. Yahoo Sports reported the rookie was unsatisfied with his debut, saying "I let my teammates down" in what amounted to self-criticism that contrasted with the more measured praise from the organization. Whether his performance will create pressure on the depth chart remains unclear from available reporting.