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Fernando Mendoza Makes NFL Debut in Raiders' Blowout Loss to Patriots
The rookie completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards after entering late in a blowout, giving Las Vegas its first look at the 2026 top pick.
- On Sunday, October 11, 2026, top draft pick Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut for the Las Vegas Raiders, entering during the fourth quarter of a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots.
- Raiders coach Klint Kubiak inserted Mendoza with just over six minutes remaining after veteran Kirk Cousins struggled against New England's defense throughout the afternoon.
- Mendoza completed 6-of-8 passes for 48 yards on his sole drive, which lasted nearly four minutes and ended one yard short of a first down on fourth-and-4.
- Kubiak confirmed Cousins remains the starter when the Raiders host Buffalo next week, though Mendoza said he is "all in on the coaches decision."
- First-Year Raiders coach Klint Kubiak prefers a gradual development path for young quarterbacks, with experts noting Cousins is likely to retain the starting job for the remainder of 2026.
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The Washington Post+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut in Raiders' blowout loss to Patriots
·Washington, United States
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Raiders No. 1 Pick Mendoza Makes NFL Debut
Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut in a blowout loss to the Patriots, entering in the fourth quarter with Las Vegas down 45-17. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards but failed to convert a late fourth down; Kirk Cousins is expected to remain the starter for now.
·Alexandria, United States
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The throw Fernando Mendoza didn’t make sticks with him after Raiders debut
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — After stepping onto an NFL field or the first time in the regular season during the Raiders blowout loss to the Patriots Sunday, Fernando Mendoza completed his first five passes, moved the Raiders downfield, converted a third down and gave himself something to build on during an otherwise forgettable afternoon for his...
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources22
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution65% Center
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources are Center
65% Center
L 23%
C 65%
12%
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