Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza just got a brutal, immediate lesson in how unforgiving the NFL can be. After all the buzz from his impressive debut, Mendoza’s second preseason game kicked off with a bang , for the other team. His very first drive? It ended with a touchdown, alright, but it was the Houston Texans’ defense celebrating in the end zone. Talk about a rude awakening.
From Buzz to Bust: The Rookie’s Rough Start
The play that went sideways on Mendoza’s first drive was a real head-scratcher. He held the ball after a play-action fake, patiently scanning the field for an open receiver. He eventually decided to check down to running back Mike Washington Jr., throwing back toward the middle of the field. The problem? Mendoza threw it behind Washington. It looked like Washington might have moved from the spot Mendoza expected him to be, which definitely didn’t help. But still, you gotta hit your target, especially in this league. Fourth-round rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz was right there to make him pay, stepping in and picking off the pass. Woodaz didn’t just snag it either; he took it 80 yards to the house, outrunning a hustling, but ultimately outmatched, Mendoza to the end zone. What a way to start! It was a far cry from his first preseason game where he went 10 of 16 for 97 yards and a touchdown, making some genuinely impressive throws. This pick-six, though? The Houston Texans even tweeted “OPEN UP A CAN OF WOODAZZZZZZ 🤯” right after it happened. Brutal.
Learning Moments and Depth Chart Realities
You know it’s a tough moment when your first pass of the day is mistimed and sails high to Jalen Nailor. Credit where credit is due, Mendoza settled down for his second pass, delivering a nice one to Nailor for 22 yards. But then came the interception to Woodaz, a moment that will absolutely be dissected as a major “learning moment” for the first overall pick of the NFL Draft. On the sideline, it was good to see veteran defensive end Maxx Crosby approach Mendoza and offer some encouragement. That’s the kind of leadership you want. Meanwhile, the quarterback situation is clear: Kirk Cousins, who did his work this week in joint practices against the Texans, is still the guy. He solidified his standing on the depth chart in the first preseason game, completing 5-of-6 passes for 50 yards and leading a touchdown drive. Mendoza was not even up against the Texans’ starting defense in this game.
So, what does this mean for Mendoza? The good news is, this pick-six won’t ruin his chances to get on the field soon in the season. But it’s definitely a strong reminder of why the Raiders have repeatedly said they prefer Cousins to begin the regular season as their starting quarterback, and why they want to slow-play Mendoza’s first official start. It’s a long season, and this rookie just got a taste of how high the stakes are.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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