Fernando Mendoza receives blunt message from Raiders coach Klint Kubiak following 'pick-six' against the Texans

Fernando Mendoza ’s first preseason start with the Las Vegas Raiders delivered a glimpse of both his potential and the growing pains that come with being a rookie quarterback in the NFL .

After an impressive debut against the Arizona Cardinals raised expectations, Mendoza faced a much tougher challenge against the Houston Texans on Thursday.

The first overall pick showed flashes of confidence and playmaking ability, but a costly interception returned for a touchdown highlighted the areas he still needs to improve.

Mendoza finished the night completing 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards, throwing an 80-yard pick-six that helped Houston build an early lead. Despite the mistake, the Raiders recovered to secure a 22-20 victory, and head coach Klint Kubiak focused more on the lessons than the result.

“I think it’s plenty to clean up, plenty to get better at,” Kubiak said after the game. “Plenty that we can do better for him as coaches, plenty that he can learn from. But with a great heart that we showed in the second half, the whole team, offense, defense, really proud of our guys.”

The biggest mistake came during Mendoza’ s opening drive. After a strong 22-yard completion to Jalen Nailor and a 33-yard run from rookie Mike Washington Jr. moved the Raiders deep into Houston territory, the quarterback attempted to continue the momentum.

Instead, Mendoza forced a throw toward Washington that landed directly in the hands of Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz . The defender returned the interception 80 yards for a touchdown, giving Houston a 14-0 advantage.

It was the type of error that often comes with young quarterbacks adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL.

Mendoza finds positives after tough moment

While the turnover grabbed attention, Mendoza showed the ability to respond. The rookie continued to attack downfield, connected with Dylan Laube and Connor Heyward , and helped create a scoring opportunity with a completion to Ian Thomas that led to a Matt Gay field goal.

Mendoza also acknowledged that the Raiders need to become more efficient in key situations, particularly inside the red zone.

“I know it’s tough down there in the red zone, a lot of bodies in a short amount of space, but I feel like we could have done more in the red zone, and I think that is something for us to learn,” Mendoza said.

“It’s one of our focuses this year to be better in the red zone, so we got some work to do.”

The performance came with added importance because veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins , Mendoza ’s main competition for the starting job, didn't play. With an opportunity to strengthen his case, Mendoza instead provided a mixed evaluation.

Kubiak made it clear that the quarterback competition remains open, refusing to guarantee anyone’s place on the depth chart.

“We got another week,” Kubiak said when asked about naming a starter. “I don’t want anyone to be comfortable in their job.”

The Raiders appear willing to let Mendoza develop at his own pace rather than rushing him into action. Cousins provides veteran stability, allowing Las Vegas to give their young quarterback valuable experience without placing the entire burden of the offense on his shoulders.

The pick-six against Houston was a difficult moment, but it was also a necessary part of Mendoza ’s development. The Raiders believe he has the talent to become their long-term answer at quarterback, and learning from mistakes like Thursday’s will be a major part of that journey.