Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
‘All of Us Haven’t Played Football in Little While’ — Fernando Mendoza Gets 100% Real on His First Real NFL Game 1
Fans were excited to witness Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s performance as he stepped onto the field and played the first NFL preseason game of his career on August 13.
Mendoza delivered a promising performance, but there were some moments when the rookie quarterback needed time to adjust to the speed of the NFL game.
In a recent conversation with the media, Mendoza shared his experience of getting his first taste of an NFL preseason game and said:
“I would say that the speed, also not having played, all of us haven’t played football in a little while, so I think the speed’s always going to be a little amped up, and I thought, you know, the guys did great out there today.”
“There was one play where I scrambled to the right, and usually sometimes I’ll be able to get the edge, maybe scramble for two or three yards,and it’s like, wow, you’ve got to do a little faster than I thought. I’m not even going to get around them. So I’d throw the ball away and try to make the smart play to best serve my teammates. So I would say definitely faster, and they hit harder. So, surprise.”
The Heisman Trophy winner needed some time to settle in before delivering an impressive touchdown drive. Mendoza eventually found his rhythm and connected with Jack Bech for a six-yard touchdown pass.
The game gave fans their first glimpse of Mendoza at the NFL level, and there were moments when he showed impressive poise for a rookie quarterback. At times, he looked comfortable in the pocket and appeared to be finding his rhythm as the game progressed.
Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings talked about the quarterback’s performance and said:
“It’s only preseason, but Fernando Mendoza has looked really good in his first action, “a little frenetic at times, which is expected, but he’s diagnosing pre-snap quickly and anticipating breaks well, deciphering quickly off play action, and staying poised late in reps with pressure bearing.”
Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Ed Graney wrote about Mendoza and said:
“Appeared more comfortable as time wore on, looking like a rookie on some snaps and much better on others.” He missed Deven Thompkins badly in the end zone. He took a sack he didn’t need to take. Still, Graney’s takeaway: “There was definitely more good than bad from Mendoza.”
All eyes will now be on Mendoza heading into the Raiders’ remaining preseason games. The rookie quarterback also has a critical week of practice ahead against the Houston Texans, which should provide another significant test against one of the league’s strongest defenses.
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