Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza throws for 97 yards in 4 drives

Key Points:

• Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut during a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, becoming the first No. 1 pick since 2018 to throw a touchdown pass in a preseason debut.
• Coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza's development, describing him as an "ascending player" who still needs to improve but has made significant strides.
• Mendoza acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in timing and anticipation, and credited his teammates for helping him stay calm after an anxious start.
• Despite Mendoza's promising performance, veteran Kirk Cousins remains the favorite to be the Raiders' Week 1 starting quarterback, with Kubiak stating it's "his job to lose."
• Mendoza also noted the faster speed of NFL defenders compared to college and highlighted the increased autonomy NFL players have, such as driving to games instead of riding a team bus.