Fernando Mendoza’s first NFL touchdown for the Raiders wasn’t just a personal milestone, it immediately put our Seahawks in a 7-0 hole with 7:41 left in the first quarter of Sunday’s game. This was not the start any 12 wanted to see on November 15, 2026.
Mendoza Caps a Short Raiders Drive
The Raiders’ first possession of the game saw them marching 46 yards, culminating in Mendoza’s 10-yard scramble right up the middle into the end zone. That’s a gut punch, right? It’s bad enough to give up a touchdown, but to see a quarterback, especially one scoring his first NFL TD, just waltz in like that, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers even left the field for a bit during the drive, getting checked out in the medical tent, but he was back in action.
The Fumble That Started It All
What really stings, though, is how that drive even began. Our Seahawks had the ball for only two plays on offense before Foley Fatukasi from the Raiders forced Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock to fumble. You read that right. Our second offensive play, and the ball’s on the ground, handing the Raiders a short field. That’s a critical error that absolutely cannot happen, especially not in the first quarter when you’re trying to set the tone.
This is a tough spot early for our boys. Giving up seven points on a short field created by our own fumble? The defense has to hold stronger, and the offense, led by Drew Lock, needs to protect the ball. We’re chasing seven points right out of the gate, and every snap from here on out is going to matter big time if the Seahawks want to turn this around.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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