Fernando Mendoza’s first prime-time game in the NFL didn’t go the way he hoped, but he certainly won people over with his usual charm.
From a production standpoint, Mendoza only completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards. The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback threw an interception to Houston Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz that was returned 80 yards to the house.
“I came away with that there’s a lot more learning to do, and that although maybe you had a lot of success at another level, this level is a whole step further,” Mendoza told reporters.
While he wasn’t exactly sharp on the field, Mendoza aced his first big interview with ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” crew.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.
Before wrapping up his sideline interview, Mendoza told ESPN’s Laura Rutledge, “Please tell Mr. Buck I say hello.”
Rutledge quickly replied, “What about Mr. Aikman?” That led to yet another classy comment from the No. 1 overall pick.
“Oh, of course. He’s a legend,” Mendoza said. “I think Mr. Buck needs some love.”
Will Fernando Mendoza be the Week 1 starter?
Even though Mendoza was the top quarterback taken in this year’s draft, he’s not expected to be the Week 1 starter for the Raiders.
Prior to the start of the preseason, Raiders coach Klint Kubiak suggested that Kirk Cousins will be his Week 1 starter. His stance on his team’s quarterback battle hasn’t changed much.
“Kirk’s been getting the reps with the ones,” Kubiak said. “I think he’s had a solid training camp and it’s his job to lose.”
The Raiders will begin their 2026 season on Sept. 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
