The Las Vegas Raiders opened the preseason with plenty of excitement surrounding their new-look quarterback room, but Thursday night ended with a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
For Raiders fans, however, the final score wasn’t the only story. The night marked the first NFL game for Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, while veteran Kirk Cousins made his first game appearance in a Raiders uniform. Both quarterbacks gave Las Vegas reasons for optimism, even as the team struggled to keep pace with Arizona in the second half.
Kirk Cousins Opens the Night
Cousins got the start and immediately gave Raiders fans a glimpse of what the veteran quarterback can bring to the offense.
Playing with Las Vegas’ starters, Cousins led the Raiders on an impressive opening drive, moving the offense 68 yards on 10 plays before finding tight end Michael Mayer for a 13 yard touchdown pass. The drive showcased Cousins’ experience and ability to operate the offense efficiently.
For Cousins, it was more than simply a preseason appearance. It was his first time taking snaps in a Raiders uniform in an actual game, giving the veteran a chance to begin building chemistry with his new teammates.
The early success was encouraging. Cousins looked comfortable directing the offense, and his touchdown connection with Mayer provided an immediate glimpse of what the Raiders hope their veteran quarterback can provide during the regular season.
Mendoza’s Long Awaited Debut
Then came the moment Raider Nation had been waiting for.
Mendoza entered the game and delivered a performance that was encouraging for a rookie making his first professional appearance. The former Heisman Trophy winner completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, leading one scoring drive during his four series.
His best moment came in the second quarter when Mendoza connected with rookie wide receiver Jack Bech for a 6 yard touchdown, tying the game at 14-14.
Mendoza also showed flashes of the arm talent that made him the first overall selection. One of his most impressive throws was a 19-yard completion to fellow rookie Malik Benson, threading the ball between three defenders.
There were some rookie moments as well. Mendoza narrowly missed Deven Thompkins on what could have been another touchdown later in the game. Still, the overall performance was a strong first step for a quarterback who has enormous expectations attached to his name.
The Future Meets the Present
Perhaps the biggest takeaway for Las Vegas was seeing Cousins and Mendoza share the field in the same game.
Cousins represents the present. Mendoza represents the future.
The Raiders entered the preseason planning to give both quarterbacks meaningful opportunities, with head coach Klint Kubiak saying both would play against Arizona.
Cousins’ opening-drive touchdown showed why the Raiders brought in a veteran quarterback. Mendoza’s performance showed why the organization invested the No. 1 overall pick in him.
That combination could make the quarterback position one of the most fascinating storylines in Las Vegas throughout the preseason.
Cardinals Pull Away
After the Raiders tied the game at 14, Arizona took control.
The Cardinals scored a touchdown just before halftime before adding two field goals in the third quarter. Las Vegas’ offense was unable to generate another scoring drive, while Arizona’s defense and running game helped the Cardinals control the second half.
The loss exposed some areas the Raiders will need to clean up, but preseason results are ultimately secondary to player evaluation.
And in that regard, Las Vegas got exactly what it wanted.
A Promising First Look
The Raiders may have lost Thursday night, but the bigger picture provided plenty of optimism.
Cousins looked comfortable in his first action with the team, immediately leading a touchdown drive. Mendoza, meanwhile, looked composed in his first NFL game and finished his debut with a touchdown pass and several flashes of the talent that made him the No. 1 pick.
For Raiders fans, the most exciting part may be that this is only the beginning.
Cousins has the experience to help Las Vegas now. Mendoza has the potential to become the face of the franchise later.
Thursday night gave Raider Nation its first real look at both — and while the scoreboard favored Arizona, the Raiders left the preseason opener with plenty to build on.