Raiders' Rookie Mendoza Struggles in Preseason Finale Loss to 49ers
Kirk Cousins started for Las Vegas and completed 8 of 11 passes for 51 yards, leading two field-goal drives before exiting. Rookie Fernando Mendoza threw an interception and took two sacks while finishing 7-of-14 for 57 yards in the 18-12 defeat. Mendoza concluded his first preseason with 240 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions on 25-of-45 passing.
Mendoza's night unraveled early when his second pass sailed high and was picked off by Tatim Bethune. He managed to steady himself with a two-minute drill that produced a field goal before halftime, but another sack on his third series stalled momentum. Matt Gay's missed 54-yard attempt after halftime denied Mendoza a second scoring drive.
The No. 1 overall pick's preseason totals—240 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions on 25-of-45 passing—reflect typical rookie growing pains. With Cousins firmly established as the starter, the Raiders appear content to let Mendoza develop gradually rather than rushing him into regular-season action.
Rookie quarterback development carries outsized weight in the NFL, and Mendoza's uneven preseason could shape fan expectations and media narratives entering the regular season. His struggles may influence how Las Vegas manages his workload behind Cousins, potentially affecting team chemistry and ticket demand. For a franchise with a passionate fanbase, patience with a top pick is often tested quickly, and early stumbles can amplify scrutiny on coaching decisions and long-term roster planning.