The essentials
Raiders beat Texans 22-20 in preseason; Mendoza threw a pick-six, reinforcing Kirk Cousins as the likely starter.
The Raiders defeated the Texans 22-20 in a preseason matchup in Las Vegas. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards but threw a pick-six during the contest, highlighting accuracy concerns.
Despite the turnover, the Raiders secured the victory. The preseason performance offered a mixed evaluation of the team's quarterback depth. Head coach indicators suggest Kirk Cousins is likely to be the starting quarterback moving forward, signaling confidence in the veteran acquisition over the developing backup options.
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Mendoza Performance Solidifies Cousins as Raiders Starting Option
Mendoza's preseason outing—marked by a pick-six and 53.3% completion rate—underscores the gap between backup and starter-caliber play. The Raiders' coaching staff's indication that Kirk Cousins will likely start reflects confidence in the veteran over the developmental prospect. The preseason served its intended purpose: clarifying the quarterback hierarchy.
Raiders Prevail Despite Backup Quarterback Turnovers in Vegas
In the 22-20 victory over Houston, the Raiders won despite Mendoza's pick-six—a defensive score that typically proves costly. His 8-of-15 passing performance reflected inconsistency, yet the team's defense and special teams likely compensated. The win provides a foundation for evaluation heading into the regular season.