Raiders HC Klint Kubiak takes some blame for Fernando Mendoza's pick-six vs. Texans

Fernando Mendoza makes first big mistake in the NFL

The No. 1 overall pick had some highlight plays during his first game, but this match against the Texans didn’t produce the same results.

Mendoza held onto the ball a little too long in the middle of the first quarter and threw a pick-six to put the Texans up two scores.

There is some debate over whether running back Mike Washington Jr. should have stopped his route to give his quarterback a stationary target. The video shows that the rookie stopped, but began running again just before Mendoza went to throw him the ball.

Perhaps the miscommunication is what prompted head coach Klint Kubiak’s answer to a halftime interview question. The first-year coach was asked what he thought of Mendoza’s first-half performance and then segued into taking accountability.

Klint Kubiak accepts some blame for Fernando Mendoza’s rough night

“They did some good things after the turnover, but that can’t happen. I’ve got to help him a lot more than I am,” said Kubiak.

Not only did Mendoza throw his first interception in the pros, but he also got his first taste of what a messy NFL pocket is like. He was under duress much more than he was last week against the Arizona Cardinals, and it showed. Mendoza was just 8-of-15 with 86 yards — a worse completion percentage and yardage total than last week — and failed to throw a touchdown.

He may have struggled a little bit this week, but it was his first real test against one of the league’s best defenses, even without the starting unit playing. Games like this are why Las Vegas is taking a calm, patient approach with Mendoza. He’ll likely be on the bench learning behind Cousins to start the season so performances like these are at a minimum.