NFL29 min ago2 minute read

Raiders Rookie Quarterback Fernando Mendoza Takes First NFL Snaps

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got his first regular-season action late in the Las Vegas Raiders loss to the New England Patriots.

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Tough Start for the Rookie

The Las Vegas Raiders turned to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza late in their 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots. Trailing by 28 points in the rain at Gillette Stadium, head coach Klint Kubiak put the top overall pick into the game with six minutes remaining.

It was a difficult situation, but Mendoza made the most of his brief appearance. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards. The drive reached the red zone, but it ended when Mendoza scrambled on fourth and short and fell short of the first down marker.

"It's a good experience," Mendoza said after the game. He added that every rookie goes through it at some point and noted he was proud of how the offense kept fighting.

Solid Play Before the Final Stop

Mendoza looked comfortable under center. He connected with tight end Ian Thomas for 9 yards on a third and 5 play. Then he hit wide receiver Tre Tucker for 16 yards on a comeback route to get the ball to the New England 35 yard line.

The Heisman Trophy winner completed three of his next five passes before the drive stalled. Mendoza blamed himself for scrambling on the fourth down play instead of throwing to practice squad receiver Deven Thompkins over the middle of the field.

He admitted he was not fast enough to reach the edge and said he should have stayed in the pocket. Still, Kubiak was pleased with the effort, saying Mendoza did a good job.

Cousins Remains the Leader

Despite Mendoza playing late in the game, Kirk Cousins remains the starting quarterback for Las Vegas. Cousins played well despite constant pressure from the Patriots defense. He completed 19 of 28 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown, and a passer rating of 106.7.

The Raiders struggled in other areas during their second straight loss. Las Vegas managed just 38 rushing yards, while Cousins was sacked four times and pressured on 39 percent of his dropbacks.

On defense, Las Vegas allowed 374 passing yards and five total touchdowns to Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Mendoza knows his role for now, but he was glad to get real game snaps to build on for the future.

What it means for the next game

Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders (NFL, Sun, 18 Oct): Las Vegas Raiders win 29%, Buffalo Bills win 71%; projected score Las Vegas Raiders 23, Buffalo Bills 29. Our safest pick: Bills to win.