Fernando Mendoza’s NFL debut ruined by Raiders’ disastrous performance against Patriots

After a start that raised hopes among Raiders Nation, the team co-owned by Tom Brady is beginning to face a harsh dose of reality. The Las Vegas Raiders finished last season as the worst team in the NFL, but four weeks into the 2026 campaign they boasted a surprising 3-1 record. Everything changed against the New England Patriots.

Their disappointing 2025 season allowed them to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft, a selection they used on Fernando Mendoza. The rookie quarterback from Indiana arrived in the NFL with a historic résumé: he was the central figure in the first perfect 16-0 college season since the 19th century and also won the Heisman Trophy.

Fernando Mendoza, the future of the Raiders

Mendoza’s talent and projection positioned him as the presumed new face of the Las Vegas franchise. However, the Raiders decided to give him time to adapt and signed a veteran to lead the offense: Kirk Cousins, who ultimately won the starting job.

With Cousins under center, Las Vegas found stability and entered Week 5 with a 3-1 record, emerging as one of the biggest surprises of the season.

But reality hit hard against the Patriots. The Raiders were thoroughly outplayed and fell 45-17 in a defeat that exposed their limitations. Amid the difficult situation, Mendoza was given the opportunity to play his first official minutes in the NFL.

The quarterback selected with the first overall pick had a brief appearance but showed positive signs, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards. Although the game was already decided when he entered the field, his performance provided a small bright spot on a tough night.

A portion of the fan base is already calling for Mendoza to take the reins of the team, but recent NFL history has shown that developing a young quarterback from the bench during his first season can be an effective strategy.

However, if the Raiders continue to suffer blowout losses like the one against New England, the pressure to hand the starting job to Fernando Mendoza could intensify much sooner than expected.