Mendoza makes Raiders debut in blowout loss to Patriots

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 01:13 · Archive

Fernando Mendoza, the first overall draft pick, made his NFL debut for the Raiders in a heavy loss to the Patriots.

Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut for the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, entering the game in the fourth quarter as the team lost 45-17 to the New England Patriots. Coach Klint Kubiak replaced starter Kirk Cousins with the first overall pick to give Mendoza 'some exposure'. Mendoza completed six of eight passes for 48 yards, showing poise and an immediate willingness to hold himself accountable.

The rookie led a drive deep into Patriots territory before the possession ended when he ran up a yard short at New England's 11-yard line on fourth down. Mendoza later said he should have stood in the pocket and thrown to Devin Tompkins over the middle on a choice route. 'That is totally my fault, and I let the offense down on that play,' Mendoza said. 'I need to stand in there and throw the ball over the middle.'

The Daily Mail reports that Mendoza said of his overall debut: 'It wasn't a great experience because of the overall outcome. I wanted to do my part, any way I can help the team.' He noted he was nine months removed from winning a national championship at Indiana. Kubiak praised the rookie's performance, saying 'All reps are valuable'.

How it is being reported

• Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut in blowout loss for Tom Brady's RaidersThe Las Vegas Raiders gave fans a glimpse of their future on Sunday in Foxborough, where starter Kirk Cousins was pulled for Fernando Mendoza in a blowout loss.Daily Mail Sport · 12 Oct, 01:00
• The throw Fernando Mendoza didn’t make sticks with him after Raiders debutFOXBOROUGH, 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 Post · 11 Oct, 22:55

In this story: Fernando Mendoza · Las Vegas Raiders · New England Patriots · Kirk Cousins · Klint Kubiak · Devin Tompkins · Indiana

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