Raiders' Fernando Mendoza Posts 42.6 Rating in 8-of-15 Preseason Start, Throwing 1 Pick-Six
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 20
Raiders' Fernando Mendoza Posts 42.6 Rating in 8-of-15 Preseason Start, Throwing 1 Pick-Six
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 20
Summary
8-of-15 passing for 86 yards and a 42.6 rating defined Fernando Mendoza’s second preseason outing, with the Raiders rookie throwing an opening-drive interception that Wade Woodaz returned 80 yards for a Texans touchdown.
That mistake set the tone for an uneven night, though the No. 1 overall pick also flashed arm strength on a 22-yard completion to Jalen Nailor and handled under-center work better than he ever had in college.
Protection issues and two drops by Malik Benson undercut Mendoza’s stat line, turning potential first downs into punts and leaving him with no touchdowns, one sack and no rushing yards.
The performance drew a C grade and reinforced that Kirk Cousins still holds the Raiders' QB1 job, with Mendoza having led only two scoring drives across his preseason action so far.