Raiders Rookie QB Mendoza Reflects on NFL Debut and Key Fourth-Down Decision
Despite completing six of eight passes, Fernando Mendoza focused on a pivotal fourth-down scramble he believes he should have converted through the air.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his NFL regular-season debut on Sunday against the New England Patriots, stepping in with 6:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. While the Raiders ultimately fell in a blowout, Mendoza completed six of his eight passes for 48 yards and showed poise, including a willingness to hold himself accountable for a critical fourth-down play.
On fourth down deep in Patriots territory, Mendoza opted to scramble and came up a yard short of the first down at the New England 11-yard line, ending the Raiders' possession. He later expressed regret for not throwing the ball, identifying Devin Tompkins as his target on a "choice route" over the middle.
"For that play, I’ve got to stand in there, take a hit for the Silver and Black and hit DT over the middle on a choice route," Mendoza said. "That is totally my fault, and I let the offense down on that play."
Coach Klint Kubiak stated his intention was to give Mendoza, the Raiders' top draft pick, some exposure. "I just wanted to get him some exposure," Kubiak said. "He did a good job. All reps are valuable."
Beyond the missed opportunity on fourth down, Mendoza's debut had encouraging moments. He successfully converted a third down with a nine-yard completion to Ian Thomas and connected with Tre Tucker for a 16-yard gain. Mendoza highlighted the play to Thomas as a positive example of offensive execution.
"It’s great; it’s all about the first down," Mendoza said. "That’s how you get a drive going: to see the check down and then Ian showing up big, getting off that collision, and the offensive line protecting fantastically."
Mendoza emphasized his preparation leading up to the game, which includes repeating play calls, working through reads, and throwing with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins before possessions to keep his arm ready.
"I’m proud of how the offense rallied, even late in the game, with undeniable effort there at the end," Mendoza added. Cousins also offered praise for Mendoza's performance.
"I thought he did a nice job competing. I thought he played well and did a good job," Cousins said.
The debut provided Mendoza with his first game action, a set of completions, and a significant learning experience, particularly regarding decision-making in crucial situations.