10
Loading video...
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Fernando Mendoza's long-awaited NFL preseason debut came on Thursday at Allegiant Stadium, and the first overall pick didn't disappoint.
Mendoza finished 10 of 16 for 96 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions.
He entered the game on the Las Vegas Raiders' second drive after Kirk Cousins had driven the offense in for a touchdown on the opening series. Mendoza missed on a short pass to rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. on his first play, but then led Vegas down the field for a score, capped by a six-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jack Bech.
Read More on NFL
It ultimately came in a losing effort, with the Raiders falling 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals, and there were certainly some mistakes Mendoza will need to clean up. But overall, he showed flashes of what could make him a true franchise quarterback at the NFL level, displaying the poise, calmness, and ability to read the defense that made the organization confident enough to call his name with the No. 1 pick.
After the game, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak summed up Mendoza's preseason debut with one telling statement.
"I thought he led a good scoring drive as far as getting in and out of the huddle and commanding the group and getting the play calls down," Kubiak said. "I saw the same guy that we've seen in practice. I see an ascending player."
More news: Browns Rookie Quickly Making Case for WR1 — and It’s Not KC Concepcion
...
More news: Jonathon Brooks’ Value Skyrockets After Panthers’ Latest Injury News
Cousins himself looked sharp on Thursday, going 5 of 6 for 50 yards and a touchdown on Vegas' first drive, and Mendoza hasn't done enough yet to supplant him as the Raiders' starting quarterback. But that's the best-case scenario for Las Vegas. The veteran Cousins was efficient and effective in his first game wearing the silver and black, showing he can capably lead this group while Mendoza continues to develop. This is an elite offense with playmakers across the field, and sitting behind Cousins gives Mendoza time to adjust to the NFL — so that when it is his turn, he can truly hit the ground running.
More news: Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Sends Clear Message 1 Year After Micah Parsons Trade
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines