Fernando Mendoza Shows Promise in Raiders Debut

Fernando Mendoza made his highly anticipated debut for the Las Vegas Raiders, providing fans with a glimpse of his potential. The No.

1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft initially struggled with the pressure of his first professional appearance. During his opening drive, Mendoza appeared hesitant and completed only one of his three pass attempts for nine yards.

However, the rookie quarterback demonstrated significant resilience and composure as the game progressed. In his second drive, he found his rhythm, displaying improved accuracy and better command of the offensive scheme.

He successfully completed four of five passes, including a highlight-reel 19-yard completion to Malik Benson. The drive culminated in a six-yard touchdown pass to Jack Bech, marking a successful start to his scoring career.

This performance highlighted both the challenges of his transition and his ability to adapt quickly at the professional level.