Fernando Mendoza Pick Six: Tough Lessons in 22-20 Win
Aug
The Fernando Mendoza pick six marked the rookie quarterback’s first significant NFL setback, but it did not prevent the Las Vegas Raiders from completing a dramatic 22-20 preseason victory over the Houston Texans.
Mendoza played the entire first half at Reliant Stadium on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The No. 1 overall draft pick completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards and threw the interception that Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz returned 80 yards for a touchdown.
Las Vegas trailed 20-3 at halftime before scoring 19 unanswered points behind Aidan O’Connell. For Mendoza, the game offered a sharp reminder that one slightly misplaced pass can have an immediate and costly consequence at the NFL level.
How the Fernando Mendoza Pick Six Unfolded
Houston opened the game with a 69-yard touchdown drive led by C.J. Stroud. Running back Woody Marks finished the possession with a powerful 20-yard scoring run that put the Texans ahead 7-0.
On Las Vegas’ first possession, Mendoza attempted to find rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. over the middle. The pass arrived behind Washington, allowing Woodaz to step into the throwing lane.
The rookie linebacker intercepted the ball and raced 80 yards for a touchdown, extending Houston’s advantage to 14-0. Woodaz, a fourth-round selection from Clemson, turned Mendoza’s first NFL interception into the game’s biggest defensive play.
Pressure contributed to the difficult first half. According to the Raiders’ official game recap, Mendoza was hit five times and sacked once while facing Houston’s pass rush.
That pressure does not erase the mistake, but it provides important context. Mendoza had less time to set his feet, confirm the coverage and place the ball safely in front of Washington.
After the game, Mendoza acknowledged that NFL margins are much smaller than those he experienced in college. The Fernando Mendoza pick six demonstrated exactly how quickly a minor placement error can become a touchdown in the opposite direction.
Mendoza’s Complete Performance Was Mixed
Mendoza’s final numbers—eight completions, 86 yards and one interception—reflect an uneven first preseason start. The Raiders scored only three points during his five first-half possessions and converted one of five third-down opportunities.
However, not every unsuccessful possession was solely a quarterback problem. Head coach Klint Kubiak noted that Las Vegas had two dropped passes and another third-down completion that ended short of the line to gain.
Kubiak was more encouraged after reviewing the game film. In the team’s postgame quarterback assessment, he praised Mendoza’s ball placement on critical downs while emphasizing that several mistakes must be corrected quickly.
The rookie also produced some positive throws. He connected with Jalen Nailor for 22 yards and delivered an accurate third-down pass to Malik Benson while a defender closed on him.
Those moments do not cancel the interception. They do show why the staff’s evaluation will be based on the full tape instead of one highly visible mistake.
A Sharp Contrast With Mendoza’s NFL Debut
Mendoza entered the Houston game after an encouraging preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals on August 13.
In that appearance, he completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown during four possessions. He commanded the huddle, worked through his progressions and delivered several confident throws over the middle despite Las Vegas losing 27-14.
The NFL’s analysis of Mendoza’s debut described a composed rookie who showed accuracy, arm strength and control of the offense.
| Opponent | Result | Comp-Att | Passing yards | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | L, 27-14 | 10-16 | 97 | 1 | 0 |
| Houston Texans | W, 22-20 | 8-15 | 86 | 0 | 1 |
Across his first two preseason appearances, Mendoza has completed 18 of 31 passes for 183 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The contrast between those games gives the Raiders useful evaluation material: he has now experienced both early success and genuine adversity.
Why the Fernando Mendoza Pick Six Matters in the QB Race
Kirk Cousins opened training camp as the Raiders’ first-string quarterback. Kubiak nevertheless made it clear that Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell would receive opportunities to push the veteran.
Cousins did not play against Houston, giving Mendoza his first preseason start and O’Connell the entire second half. Kubiak had not named a Week 1 starter as of August 21.
When asked what Mendoza needs to continue improving, Kubiak offered a simple answer: “Reps.” The NFL’s report on the Raiders’ quarterback decision confirmed that the competition remains unresolved.
The Fernando Mendoza pick six added difficult film to that evaluation, particularly regarding his response to pressure and placement on short throws. It did not produce an immediate change to the team’s official quarterback plans.
O’Connell also strengthened his position within the quarterback room. He completed 15 of 24 passes for 166 yards and led two drives of more than 90 yards during the fourth quarter.
Kubiak has even discussed the possibility of keeping three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. That makes every remaining practice and preseason possession valuable for Cousins, Mendoza and O’Connell.
Raiders’ Comeback Changed the Story of the Game
Mendoza left the game with Las Vegas trailing 20-3. The Raiders then controlled the second half on both sides of the ball.
Dylan Laube scored on a four-yard run, while former Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale added a 19-yard touchdown. The Las Vegas defense shut Houston out after halftime and created several opportunities for the offense.
O’Connell eventually directed a 96-yard, eight-play drive in the final two minutes. His one-yard quarterback sneak with 14 seconds remaining gave the Raiders their first lead of the night.
Mike Washington Jr. led Las Vegas with 56 rushing yards on nine carries, including a 33-yard run. The Raiders finished with a 400-219 advantage in total offense, according to the verified game report from Reuters.
The comeback did not remove Mendoza’s interception from the evaluation. It did prevent the mistake from becoming the final result and showed that Las Vegas’ reserves could recover from a difficult opening half.
Why Las Vegas Invested the No. 1 Pick in Mendoza
The Raiders selected Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft following a historic season at Indiana.
He completed 273 of 379 passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025. His 72% completion rate helped Indiana finish 16-0 and win the program’s first national championship.
Mendoza also became Indiana’s first Heisman Trophy winner. The official Heisman profile identifies him as the 91st recipient of the award.
That college production explains the long-term expectations surrounding him. His accuracy and decision-making were among his defining strengths, but translating them to NFL speed was never going to happen without difficult moments.
A single preseason interception should not outweigh Mendoza’s complete college résumé. His draft position, however, also does not protect him from competition or eliminate the need to correct mistakes.
What Comes Next After the Fernando Mendoza Pick Six
The Raiders close their preseason against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Thursday, August 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Las Vegas then opens the regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 13, at 1:25 p.m. Pacific Time. Both dates are confirmed on the official Raiders schedule.
Before the quarterback decision is finalized, coaches will likely focus their evaluation on several areas:
- Mendoza’s footwork and composure against pressure
- His placement on short and intermediate passes
- Communication and timing with running backs and receivers
- Third-down execution
- His response after committing a turnover
The final preseason game provides Mendoza with another opportunity to show that he can process the Houston mistake, make the necessary adjustment and continue developing.
A New Raiders Era for Fans to Follow
The uncertainty at quarterback gives Raiders fans one of the NFL’s most interesting preseason stories. A veteran, a developing No. 1 pick and an experienced backup are all trying to establish their roles before Week 1.
Fans following the season can explore TeesParadize’s Sports & Fan Shirts collection, browse the wider selection of graphic T-shirts or see the latest additions under New Arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fernando Mendoza
What happened on the Fernando Mendoza pick six?
Mendoza threw behind running back Mike Washington Jr. on a pass over the middle. Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz intercepted it and returned the ball 80 yards for a touchdown.
How did Fernando Mendoza perform against the Texans?
He completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Mendoza played the entire first half in his first preseason start.
Who is Wade Woodaz?
Woodaz is a Houston Texans linebacker who played college football at Clemson. Houston selected him in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Did the Raiders beat the Texans?
Yes. Las Vegas erased a 20-3 halftime deficit and defeated Houston 22-20 after Aidan O’Connell scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak with 14 seconds remaining.
Is Fernando Mendoza the Raiders’ starting quarterback?
The Raiders had not officially named a Week 1 starter as of August 21, 2026. Kirk Cousins opened camp as the first-string quarterback, while Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell continued competing for roles.
How did Mendoza perform in his first preseason game?
Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. The Raiders lost the game 27-14.
When will Fernando Mendoza play next?
The Raiders’ next preseason game is scheduled for August 27 against the San Francisco 49ers. Mendoza’s playing time had not been officially confirmed.
Final Thoughts on the Fernando Mendoza Pick Six
The Fernando Mendoza pick six was a legitimate rookie mistake, not a reason to dismiss the Raiders’ investment in their young quarterback. The pass was misplaced, Houston punished it immediately and Mendoza now has clear film showing what must improve.
His first two preseason games have revealed both sides of rookie development: confident accuracy against Arizona and difficulty under pressure in Houston. The next step is showing how quickly he can apply those lessons while the Raiders continue evaluating their quarterback room.