Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza Reflects on Rough Preseason Start vs Texans

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza faced a challenging debut during the team's preseason matchup against the Houston Texans on August 19, 2026. Playing his first NFL start at NRG Stadium, Mendoza struggled to find consistency, finishing the first half 8-for-15 for 86 yards with one interception and no touchdowns. His performance included a promising 22-yard completion to wide receiver Jalen Nailor early in the game, which was quickly overshadowed by a costly interception returned for a touchdown by the Texans. Mendoza acknowledged the difficulties he encountered during the game. In post-game remarks, he emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “There's a lot more learning to do. Although maybe you had a lot of success at another level, this level is a whole step further. The margins are so small. One tiny mistake can lead to catastrophe.” He expressed a commitment to learning from the experience and supporting his teammates moving forward. Despite Mendoza's struggles, the Raiders managed to secure a 22-20 victory in the second half, largely due to the performance of third-string quarterback Aidan O'Connell. O'Connell completed 15 of 24 passes for 166 yards, contributing significantly to the team's comeback effort. This contrast in performances raised questions about Mendoza's readiness for a starting role, especially given that it was only his second live NFL game. The Raiders' decision to sign Kirk Cousins earlier in the offseason appears increasingly justified following Mendoza's performance. Cousins, who previously worked with head coach Klint Kubiak in Minnesota, has shown efficiency in his early games with the Raiders. This move suggests that the team is preparing for a transition period, with Mendoza likely to take a secondary role once the regular season begins. The Raiders have one remaining preseason game scheduled against the San Francisco 49ers on August 27, 2026. This match will provide Mendoza with his final opportunity to gain valuable experience before stepping aside for Cousins in the opening week of the regular season. The regular season is set to begin on September 13, with the Raiders hosting the Miami Dolphins in Las Vegas. Mendoza's performance highlighted the challenges rookie quarterbacks face in the NFL, particularly under the pressure of high expectations. While his initial efforts did not meet the standards many anticipated, the Raiders' coaching staff and front office remain focused on developing their young talent alongside established players like Cousins. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Mendoza as he works to refine his skills and prepare for the demands of professional football. The Raiders' training camp has been marked by a mix of optimism and caution, with the team balancing the development of its youth with the need for immediate competitiveness. As the regular season approaches, the focus will shift toward ensuring that both veteran and rookie players are ready to contribute effectively. The outcome of the upcoming game against the 49ers could offer further insight into Mendoza's progress and the team's overall preparedness for the challenges ahead.