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Fernando Mendoza

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Mendoza Emerges as Raiders’ Week 1 Contender in a Preseason QB Fallout
sports18 hours ago

Mendoza Emerges as Raiders’ Week 1 Contender in a Preseason QB Fallout

In this NFL quarterback notebook, the author argues Fernando Mendoza should start for the Raiders, praising his advanced reads, poise, and willingness to push beyond the scheme in a challenging preseason; Mendoza’s footwork quirks are noted but his mental acuity and live reps make him ready for NFL action. The piece also weighs Rams backup QB options, favoring Stetson Bennett for a steadier floor and Ty Simpson for upside, and cautions against overreacting to Drew Allar’s hype. It ends with quick takes on several QBs across the league, including a provocative Falcons scenario for Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., Jordan Love’s MVP odds, Geno Smith’s clean pocket, Anthony Richardson’s development, and Joe Milton as an intriguing preseason watch.

Nix Shines for Broncos; Mendoza Struggles in Week 2 Preseason
sports4 days ago

Nix Shines for Broncos; Mendoza Struggles in Week 2 Preseason

Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason featured Bo Nix sparking the Broncos’ offense, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling continuing a historic breakout for the 49ers, and Geno Smith delivering a clean, productive showing with the Jets after his rough 2025 season. In contrast, first overall pick Fernando Mendoza struggled in his Texans debut, getting overwhelmed by a strong Houston defense that produced an 80-yard pick-six and an early sack. The Jets also benefited from multiple takeaways, while rookies like Kayden McDonald and Wade Woodaz flashed on defense for Houston, and special-teams produced notable moments (including Jacob Cowing’s 83-yard punt return TD).

Cousins Seizes Early Lead in Raiders' QB Showdown Ahead of Week 1
sports4 days ago

Cousins Seizes Early Lead in Raiders' QB Showdown Ahead of Week 1

Kirk Cousins retains the edge over rookie Fernando Mendoza in the Raiders’ quarterback competition, with coach Klint Kubiak noting it’s Cousins’ job to lose. Cousins led first-team reps and delivered solid-but-not-perfect plays in camp and the preseason, while Mendoza showed flashes but struggled, keeping the veteran on track to start Week 1 versus the Dolphins as the competition continues into the final preseason game.

Raiders keep QB competition open between Cousins and Mendoza
sports4 days ago

Raiders keep QB competition open between Cousins and Mendoza

Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak again declined to name a regular-season starter between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza, keeping the quarterback competition unresolved ahead of the preseason finale and a Sept. 13 opener vs. the Dolphins. Cousins has led camp so far, while Mendoza flashed in the preseason and is viewed as the long-term option to develop behind the veteran, a dynamic that has drawn scrutiny as the team balances development with winning now.

Rapoport: Kirk Cousins Remains Raiders' Starter as Mendoza Develops
sports6 days ago

Rapoport: Kirk Cousins Remains Raiders' Starter as Mendoza Develops

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Kirk Cousins is still slated to be the Raiders’ starter for the 2026 season, with Fernando Mendoza getting first-team reps to accelerate development. Mendoza’s progress could move his timeline up if he shines in preseason, but the current plan remains Cousins starting Week 1; upcoming preseason performances and a brutal October schedule will help determine when Mendoza might earn a regular-season role.

Raiders Score Valuable Reps in Joint Practice With Texans
sports7 days ago

Raiders Score Valuable Reps in Joint Practice With Texans

The Las Vegas Raiders used their joint practice with the Houston Texans to push both sides, with Fernando Mendoza taking significant first-team reps and delivering several throws to Brock Bowers, while rookie Mike Washington Jr. showed burst on runs. Bowers also hauled in a red-zone TD, though Mendoza faced an interception in the red zone. The Raiders’ defense generated pressure from Crosby, Paye and others, and Quay Walker had an interception, with coach Klint Kubiak calling the session mature and productive as they prep for the next preseason game.

Week 1 Preseason Sparks: Ward Under Pressure, Stribling Emerges, Mendoza Won’t Be Quick to Start
sports8 days ago

Week 1 Preseason Sparks: Ward Under Pressure, Stribling Emerges, Mendoza Won’t Be Quick to Start

Week 1 of NFL preseason offered a mix of measured takeaways: Cam Ward’s early struggles for the Titans aren’t a panic signal, De’Zhaun Stribling flashed breakout potential for the 49ers, Fernando Mendoza’s strong debut won’t instantly crown him Week 1 starter, Drew Allar impressed for the Steelers but remains far from a guaranteed QB1, and DJ Moore’s Bills debut hints at a much-needed upgrade to Buffalo’s passing game; QB battles in Atlanta and Cleveland still look unsettled, and much of this is preseason noise rather than guarantees for the regular season.

Allar Tops Week 1 Rookie QB Rankings as Mendoza, Simpson Impress in Preseason
sports9 days ago

Allar Tops Week 1 Rookie QB Rankings as Mendoza, Simpson Impress in Preseason

CBS Sports ranks Week 1 preseason rookie quarterbacks, led by Drew Allar’s three-drive, three-TD performance for the Steelers; Ty Simpson threw for 190 yards and two TDs on 21-of-25; Fernando Mendoza posted 97 yards and a TD on 10-of-16 for the Raiders, with several other rookies like Fagnano and Klubnik delivering solid showings as teams evaluate QB depth.

Allar shines for Steelers; Ward struggles for Titans in Week 1 preseason
sports10 days ago

Allar shines for Steelers; Ward struggles for Titans in Week 1 preseason

Week 1 of the NFL preseason delivered a mix of bright debuts and rough outings. Steelers rookie Drew Allar stood out with 153 passing yards and three total touchdowns, while Titans QB Cam Ward had a mixed showing (5-of-12, 57 yards). Notable winners included Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton, Raiders hopeful Fernando Mendoza, and 49ers rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, along with Bengals hopeful Dohnte Meyers. On the flip side, Falcons faced off-field suspensions and a blowout loss, Patriots kicker Andy Borregales misfired multiple times in a 13-13 tie, Lions’ Isaac TeSlaa went without a catch, Colts’ Riley Leonard struggled against Patriots backups, and Chargers’ Trey Lance was outplayed by DJ Uiagalelei. As always in the preseason, results are initial and players have time to adjust.

Raiders Eye More First-Team Reps for Fernando Mendoza After Preseason Showing
sports11 days ago

Raiders Eye More First-Team Reps for Fernando Mendoza After Preseason Showing

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said he plans to map out a plan to give Fernando Mendoza more first-team reps after Mendoza went 10-of-16 for 97 yards and a TD in his preseason debut. With Kirk Cousins still the presumed starter, Kubiak indicated all three quarterbacks—Mendoza, Aidan O'Connell, and Cousins—deserve first-team reps and they’ll split reps as they prepare. Mendoza impressed with poise reading defenses and moving the pocket, and Las Vegas will practice in Houston next week ahead of their next game.