Fernando Mendoza just got called one of the biggest losers of the preseason by CBS Sports, and honestly, after Thursday night’s game against the Houston Texans, it’s not hard to see why. We all know veteran Kirk Cousins was always getting the starting nod for the Raiders. That’s a given when you sign a guy with his experience, right? Starting a fresh-out-of-college guy like Mendoza over him just doesn’t make any sense.
It Was Always Kirk Cousins’ Job, But Mendoza’s Debut Was Rough
Even though it was always Cousins’ job, you know Raiders fans were still hyped, hoping to see something absolutely wild from Mendoza in the preseason. This was his first real chance to hit an NFL field and show everyone he could make that insane leap from college ball to the pros. Expectations? Super high for this kid. But then Thursday night happened. Facing the Houston Texans, Mendoza threw an 80-yard pick-six. An EIGHTY-YARDER. And then he took an 11-yard sack. Those are some tough, tough moments for a rookie, especially with a big crowd watching. He wrapped up the game with just 86 yards. Not exactly the “spectacular” fans were dreaming of.
Flashes of Promise Can’t Hide the Learning Curve
Now, let’s be real: calling him a “loser” this early? That’s harsh. The guy’s just getting started, learning the absolute ropes of the NFL. It’s a brutal league. He did have one sweet highlight, though: a 22-yard dart to wide receiver Jalen Nailor. It was right in the middle of the field, threading the needle between the Texans’ zone defense. That’s the kind of throw his college coaches weren’t asking for much, but it’s a staple in head coach Klint Kubiak’s Shanahan-tree offense. So, yeah, he had a tough night at the office overall, despite those occasional flashes. He’s got to learn to make those high-difficulty throws consistent.
So, where does that leave Mendoza? It’s just one night, and the Raiders *did* snag a 22-20 win, so that’s something. But for a player with massive expectations trying to prove he belongs, that kind of performance lands you on the naughty list. He’s got to bounce back. The NFL rookie journey is never easy, and Mendoza’s just on game one. Raiders fans are going to be watching every single snap to see if he can clean things up and show more of those flashes. This kid’s development is going to be a wild ride, and every single preseason game from here on out is a massive test.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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