The Las Vegas Raiders fanbase got the chance to see rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza in action on Thursday in their preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Kirk Cousins started the game and played one series before being replaced by the 2025 Heisman winner.
On social media, several clips of Mendoza from the game were shared. In one of the videos, we see the quarterback throw a touchdown from 3rd & goal. At the time of writing this article, he had completed five of eight passes for 47 yards, one touchdown and one sack.
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Fans took to the comments to share their reactions to Mendoza’s preseason debut for the Raiders.
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“I’ve seen enough. Welcome back Tom Brady,” one fan commented.
“Mendoza already reads defenses better than Jalen Hurts,” another fan said.
“Already better than Justin Herbert,” a fan wrote.
“Unreal poise. Rocket of an arm. Next coming of Tom Brady,” another fan said.
“Mendoza is gonna be the new Tom Brady,” one fan wrote.
“Imagine calling this guy a bust,” another fan said.
“My boy is wicked talented,” a fan commented.
“Better than Bo picks already,” one fan said.
Fernando Mendoza played for the Indiana Hoosiers last season. He helped the program win its first national championship, leading them to an undefeated 16-0 record. The Raiders drafted him with the No.1 pick in this year’s draft.
In addition, the Raiders signed Kirk Cousins in April for a veteran presence on the depth chart. Reports indicate coach Klint Kubiak and his team will have Cousins as the QB1 to start the season. Mendoza will be the backup and learn the ropes from the four-time Pro Bowler.
Fernando Mendoza shares his thoughts on Raiders QB battle with Kirk Cousins
Despite being drafted first overall, Fernando Mendoza understands that he will have to earn his place as the Raiders QB1.
During an interview with The Athletic’s Michael Silver, he revealed his mindset heading into this competition. Mendoza said he will put his best foot forward so that he has no regrets later on.
“The system that got me here, it’s a grinder system,” Mendoza said. “It’s a system where I know I put a lot into it, and best-case (scenario), boom, it’s letting me have success already.
“And let’s say, worst-worst-worst-case scenario, it doesn’t go my way, or it doesn’t go the team’s way. Then I can rest my head at night knowing I did everything I possibly (could). … I best served my teammates, I prepared, and I didn’t let them down.”
The Raiders will face the Miami Dolphins in their season opener on Sept. 13.
Edited by Priyam Hazarika