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
Fernando Mendoza Gets Cold Dose of Reality From Klint Kubiak After 18-12 Raiders Loss to 49ers 1
It was not an entirely rosy NFL preseason experience for Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza.
The No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft Mendoza struggled anew under center during Thursday’s preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, albeit in limited time on the field.
The Indiana Hoosiers football product completed just seven of his 14 throws for 57 passing yards and zero touchdowns. He was intercepted once and was sacked twice for a loss of 20 yards.
The interception in the Niners game was Mendoza’s second in the preseason. It can be recalled that he was picked off for a touchdown in a previous game against the Houston Texans.
Following the 18-12 loss to the 49ers, Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak got candid about Mendoza and the quarterback’s readiness.
“(Mendoza) needs another three preseason games, and all those rookies do,” Kubiak said, via Mark Anderson of the Associated Press.
“Now that the season is starting, the practice reps get smaller and that’s just life. But us as coaches, we’ve got to get them ready to play and keep developing.”
Mendoza Acknowledges the NFL Being a Different Beast
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn ImagesAug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
For his part, Mendoza is at least showing great self-awareness, humble enough to admit how tough life can be for a quarterback, especially for a rookie, in the pros.
“It’s the NFL, there are monsters on the other side of the ball and you need to get the ball out quick,” Mendoza shared.
“It teaches you, you need to play on time, and there’s less margin for error. So I think it’s a great experience having that heat and duress because diamonds are built under pressure.”
Now, the Raiders turn their attention to Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against the Miami Dolphins at home on Sept. 13, with Kirk Cousins expected to start at quarterback.
Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn ImagesJun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images