Raiders' Fernando Mendoza endures harsh criticism after preseason

Mendoza endured a rough first preseason overall 

But of course, their comments were based on one preseason game. However, Mendoza struggled throughout the entire preseason. 

Mendoza's most recent outing follows a similar performance, albeit in a 22-20 win over the Houston Texans the week prior. Against Houston, Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in April's 2026 NFL Draft, went 8-of-15 for 86 yards passing, a pick and a sack. 

In his best showing, Mendoza was 10-of-16 for 97 yards and a touchdown pass, his only score of the preseason, in his NFL debut in the Raiders' preseason opener, a 27-14 defeat at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals. 

Las Vegas is invested in Mendoza and will give him every opportunity, no matter what

In reality, nothing Mendoza did during the preseason will make Las Vegas even consider giving up on a quarterback they just drafted, especially when that quarterback is coming off putting together one of the greatest college football seasons of all-time. Mendoza became Indiana's first Heisman Trophy winner and led the Hoosiers to the school's first-ever football national championship with an historic undefeated 16-0 season. 

Mendoza may open the season behind Kirk Cousins, but even if the veteran plays well, it's still highly likely the Raiders will eventually hand the keys over to the rookie and put him to the test in games that actually matter.