Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders' No. 1 overall pick and 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to a national championship, made his NFL regular-season debut Sunday against the Patriots. Per ESPN, Mendoza entered the game late in the fourth quarter with Las Vegas already trailing by 28 points.
Mendoza was solid in his limited appearance, according to CBS Sports' Shanna McCarriston, though the Raiders fell 45-17. The rookie completed passes for 288 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions in his debut.
3-12nd in AFC WestStreak L1
The loss marked the Raiders' second consecutive defeat. They fell to the Chiefs 30-27 the previous week after winning at New Orleans 35-27, leaving them at 3-1 and second in the AFC West heading into next Sunday's game against Buffalo.
Mendoza's debut came as a backup, entering only after the game was already decided. The Raiders face the Bills on October 18.
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