Fernando Mendoza NFL debut: Raiders rookie QB gets first taste of pro action
The Heisman Trophy winner saw his first NFL regular season action on Sunday against the Patriots.
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut for the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, replacing the starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Kirk Cousins. The Raiders were trailing 45-17 in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots, and Mendoza entered the game with the team struggling. Mendoza completed his first five pass attempts, including a first down connection with Tre Tucker.
His first drive reached the New England 14-yard line but failed to score, picking up only three yards on a fourth-and-4. Overall, Mendoza's stats from his sole action in the loss were 6/8 passing for 48 yards, 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, along with 1 rushing yard and no rushing touchdowns. Despite the loss, Mendoza's performance suggests he may not be the immediate starter for the Raiders.
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