The Las Vegas Raiders were blown out 45-17 by the New England Patriots in Week 5. The lopsided nature meant the fourth quarter was firmly in garbage-time territory. That's when Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his regular-season debut for the team.
In fairness, the No. 1 overall selection got to face soft defensive shells as the Patriots nursed a comfortable multi-score lead. Nonetheless, Mendoza made a positive first impression. He completed 6-of-8 passing attempts for 48 yards.
Mendoza navigated the pocket well on his first completion and hit a checkdown to Dylan Laube. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner then hung in tough on the pocket on a third-and-5 and completed a chain mover to Ian Thomas. Mendoza's longest completion was
then a 16-yard throw to Tre Tucker on a nice comeback route.
Mendoza later pump faked, brought it down, rolled to his left to escape pressure and hit a checkdown. The young quarterback consistently cycled through his progressions, evaded pressure, made good reads and took the easy completions when necessary.
The lopsided nature made it complicated to get a full evaluation. But Mendoza put some great things on tape throughout his debut. Raiders fans will anxiously await the next opportunity to watch their No. 1 overall quarterback in action.
Fernando Mendoza, smooth operator 👀
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) October 11, 2026
Solid debut for the No. 1 pick: 6/8 for 48 yards plus 3 rush yards in a single drive. Spread it around and showed mobility.
Looks as advertised, albeit in garbage time. pic.twitter.com/4E4kIghIUE
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Breaking down Fernando Mendoza's 1st regular-season Raiders appearance
