Top pick Fernando Mendoza connects for a TD in Raiders' preseason loss to Cardinals

In Thursday night’s preseason matchup, top draft selection Fernando Mendoza delivered a 6-yard touchdown to Jack Bech, ending the Raiders’ offensive drive with a 10-of-16, 97-yard performance. This marks the first time a No. 1 overall pick has thrown a TD in a preseason debut since Baker Mayfield in 2018. Mendoza also threaded a 19-yard pass to fellow rookie Malik Benson and narrowly missed a second TD to Deven Thompkins later in the game.

The Raiders’ starting quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a 13-yard score to Michael Mayer, while the Cardinals’ Jacoby Brissett and ex-Raider Gardner Minshew each completed all their passes for a combined three touchdowns before halftime. Injuries limited the Cardinals’ rookie right guard Chase Bisontis, and Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby remained sidelined after knee surgery. The Cardinals look ahead to a home game against Dallas on Aug. 22, and the Raiders travel to Houston next Thursday.