Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders’ top 2026 draft pick, is diving headfirst into NFL reality—showing flashes of brilliance and costly mistakes in preseason games. After a dominant college career, he’s battling veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell for snaps, with the team betting big on his potential to revive their playoff hopes. His debut against the Cardinals featured a touchdown pass and solid efficiency, but a shaky outing against the Texans—including an interception that cost them—underscored the steep climb to pro football. Still, the Raiders rallied from a 23-point deficit to win thanks to a powerful rushing attack, proving they’re building around Mendoza’s future. With one final preseason game against the 49ers before facing the Dolphins, the pressure’s on—but the Raiders are committed to helping him rise.
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