Raiders drop preseason opener to Cardinals as Fernando Mendoza debuts with TD

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

Published in Football

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LAS VEGAS — Maxx Crosby had a premium vantage point Thursday for Fernando Mendoza’s preseason debut for the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

Standing on their sideline.

Crosby donned the silver and black but didn’t play against the Arizona Cardinals as Mendoza quarterbacked the majority of a 27-14 loss in the preseason opener. The Raiders didn’t force an incomplete pass or record a sack in the first two quarters — committing seven of their eight infractions for 75 yards.

Kirk Cousins started at quarterback and led a 10-play, 68-yard scoring drive that he capped with a 13-yard scoring pass to tight end Michael Mayer. Mendoza relieved Cousins (5-of-6 passing for 50 yards and the touchdown) on the following drive and sandwiched ineffective drives around a scoring drive that he ended with a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jach Bech.

Mendoza finished 10 of 16 for 97 yards and the scoring strike on four possessions — to go with 6 rushing yards on two carries and and a sack.

Aidan O’Connell replaced Mendoza at quarterback with 12:33 to play.

Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. keyed Mendoza’s touchdown drive with a 53-yard run en route to 63 rushing yards. Bech finished with three receptions for 25 yards and the score from Mendoza, who completed two passes for 26 yards to rookie wide receiver Malik Benson.

Opposing a defense devoid of Crosby’s pressure, Cardinals quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Garner Minshew went 15 of 15 with three first-half touchdowns. Brissett (5-of-5 passing for 44 yards and a touchdown) had a 7-yard first-quarter touchdown to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Minshew (14-of-16 passing for 101 yards and two touchdowns) added second-quarter scores to wideouts Simi Fehoko (10 yards) and Jalen Brooks (6 yards).

Raiders defensive ends Patrick Johnson and Cian Sloane had second-half sacks of Minshew and Kedon Slovis. O’Connell completed 4 of 13 passes for 85 yards.

The preseason continues for Las Vegas next Thursday against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.