Fernando Mendoza throws first TD in Raiders debut with the second team

Sam Gordon, Las Vegas Review-Journal on Aug 13, 2026

Published in Football

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LAS VEGAS — Fernando Mendoza’s second preseason drive went better than his first for the Las Vegas Raiders.

The rookie quarterback and top draft pick capped a nine-play, 79-yard drive Thursday with a 6-yard scoring pass to wideout Jack Bech against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. His opening drive — after Kirk Cousins led the first-team offense on a scoring drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Michael Mayer — lasted six plays for 11 yards, including an incompletion in traffic to running back Mike Washington Jr.

Mendoza on his scoring drive completed a pair of passes to receiver Malik Benson, a fellow rookie with whom he’s flashed chemistry in training camp. He also had a 7-yard run, leaving the pocket with nobody open, and added a drop-off to Washington, who keyed the drive with a 53-yard run.

On his first drive, Mendoza hit Bech on an out route — securing his first preseason completion. A holding call on left tackle Charles Grant preceded the incomplete pass to Washington, setting up a third-and-long and subsequent draw to running back Dylan Laube.

Bech came open on a slant route from the slot, setting up Mendoza’s first preseason score. He finished the first half 5-of-8 passing for 47 yards and the touchdown pass.