Fernando Mendoza's NFL Debut Has Raiders Fans Buzzing

Fernando Mendoza's first NFL action gave Raiders fans plenty to talk about. The rookie completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in a preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He became the first No. 1 overall pick to throw a touchdown pass in his preseason debut since Baker Mayfield did so in 2018. Head coach Klint Kubiak has not changed his plan to open the season with veteran Kirk Cousins. Still, Mendoza's poise and command of the offense left an impression on coaches and fans alike. Attention now turns to what comes next for the rookie quarterback and the Raiders' QB picture.

Kirk Cousins Remains Starter as Both QBs Impress

Kirk Cousins remains the Raiders' Week 1 starter, according to Kubiak. Cousins looked sharp in his own preseason snaps, completing 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown against Arizona. That performance came before Mendoza even entered the game. Kubiak has praised Mendoza's growth but has not wavered on his decision. The coach called Mendoza "an ascending player" following the debut.

Mendoza has echoed a team-first message about the quarterback room, saying competition should build the group rather than divide it.

With two preseason games remaining, every rookie rep will be measured against Cousins' experience. The gap between the two may not close before September, but each outing adds pressure to the conversation. Fans and analysts will watch closely for any sign the Raiders could accelerate a transition sooner than planned.

Mendoza Faces Tougher Test in Joint Practice vs Texans

Mendoza's next test arrives quickly. The Raiders travel to Houston, Texas, for a joint practice with the Texans on Aug. 18. A preseason game against the Texans follows two days later. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said his starters will play if healthy, raising the level of competition Mendoza will face. Joint practices often reveal more than exhibition games since reps come against a different opponent's full-speed defense. For Mendoza, it offers a chance to build on the timing and anticipation he flashed against Arizona. It also gives coaches a clearer look at how he handles unfamiliar defensive looks outside the Raiders' own system. The Aug. 27 preseason finale against San Francisco will follow, ahead of final roster cuts.

Tight Timeline Forces Raiders' Hand on QB Decision

The Raiders must trim their roster to 53 players by Aug. 30, just before their Sept. 13 season opener against Miami. That timeline leaves little room for a prolonged quarterback evaluation. Mendoza's next two outings, plus the joint practice reps, will shape how the coaching staff frames the competition heading into the regular season. Kubiak has been consistent about backing Cousins publicly. But a strong showing in Houston could keep the rookie's name in the conversation. For now, the plan remains unchanged, with Mendoza developing behind Cousins as the Raiders build toward Week 1.