Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza gets real on preseason opener: ‘NFL is a different level’

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza got his first taste of the NFL in Thursday's preseason opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals, admitting the competition was vastly superior than what he's used to.

The Las Vegas Raiders are considering giving Fernando Mendoza more reps with the first-team offense this summer.

Speaking to reporters via videoconference Friday, Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak said he’s discussing with his assistant coaches how he wants divvy the first-team reps behind center.

Fernando Mendoza was happy with his Las Vegas Raiders debut.

“It's his job to lose”: Klint Kubiak provides an update on the quarterback competition between Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza on the Raiders  MARCA

August 14, 2026 10:27 AM ET After further evaluation, I like this kid.Following strong play Thursday night in his NFL preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals, the first thing that Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza did was thank God.“First, I want to thank God and my teammates and coaches for a

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza said he failed to meet his "standard" in his NFL preseason debut, a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Plus picks and predictions for UFC 330 Aug 14, 2026 at 8:44 am ET • 9 min read This is an article version of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter, the ultimate guide to every day in sports. You can sign up to get it in your inbox every weekday morning here. 🏈 Five things to know Friday Fernando Mendoza and Drew Allar kicke

The rookie quarterback had a harsh assessment of his play on Thursday night.

Fernando Mendoza’s Preseason Debut Showed Exactly What the Raiders Should Want to See  Sports Illustrated

Fernando Mendoza posted a 100.3 quarterback rating in his NFL preseason debut, but coach Klint Kubiak says Kirk Cousins still holds the starting job.

Fernando Mendoza's Raiders debut proved Kirk Cousins' value – and that's OK  USA Today

Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza throws for 97 yards in 4 drives  ESPN

Heisman winner finishes 10 of 16 for 97 yards Arizona beat Las Vegas 27-14 on Thursday night Love rushes for 58 yards in Cardinals debut No 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza threw a touchdown pass in his preseason debut for the Las Vegas Raiders in a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night. The Heisman Tro

No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza throws TD pass in preseason debut for Raiders in 27-14 loss to Cardinals  Toronto Star

Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza threw a touchdown pass in his first Raiders preseason game on Thursday night

Raiders fans were excited to get their first look at Fernando Mendoza.