Fernando Mendoza delivers rare pick-6 as Raiders continue preseason work

Fernando Mendoza is making a quick impression in preseason action for the Las Vegas Raiders. In the team’s second preseason game, Mendoza threw an interception on the opening drive and the play was converted into a touchdown when the return went for six points, a swing that turned a defensive moment into immediate scoring.

The Raiders’ early preseason stretch has offered Mendoza a chance to show what he can do when he enters a game, and the results have been mixed but noteworthy. In his first NFL action on Aug. 13, he completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and threw a touchdown, part of Las Vegas’ 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in their preseason opener.

What stands out from the recent games is the variety of what Mendoza has been asked to handle. Preseason quarterback work often involves short windows, changing protection and route concepts, and frequent rotations, and Mendoza has been placed in situations where one play can define a drive. An interception returned for a touchdown is also the kind of outcome coaches try to correct quickly, even as the player and staff continue to search for consistency.

For Las Vegas, Mendoza’s development during the preseason is not just about individual highlights. Preseason weeks function as evaluation periods, with teams assessing decision-making under pressure, ball security, and the ability to move the offense across multiple possessions. A pick-6 is a clear negative outcome for any quarterback, but it also gives the staff immediate film to review, including where the throw was aimed and what the defense did to create the turnover.

At the same time, the touchdown Mendoza threw earlier this month provides a contrasting data point. Completing passes efficiently and finding the end zone in his first NFL appearance suggested he can operate effectively at least in certain scripted looks and tempo situations. The juxtaposition between a passing touchdown and a pick-6 underscores why preseason reps matter: they show ceiling and risk in the same sample size.

Raiders preseason games also carry an added layer of importance because they come before the regular season begins. By the time teams reach the midpoint of August, the quarterback depth chart starts to take shape, and coaches lean more heavily on players who show dependable processing and accuracy rather than flashes alone. Mendoza’s next opportunities will likely be measured by whether he can limit mistakes, avoid repeat turnovers, and convert early downs into sustained drives.