NFL preseason games do not count toward the regular season, nor are they the end-all, be-all for judging how well a player might perform when the season begins. Still, when you're a rookie in the NFL, the preseason is all there is to go off of until the regular season starts.
For these three rookies, Week 2 of the preseason is a big time for them to step up and show what they can do at the professional level. Let's dive in.
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Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws the ball against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The No. 1 overall pick actually had a solid debut: 10-of-16 passing for 97 yards and a touchdown. But Kirk Cousins went 5-for-6 and immediately led Las Vegas to a touchdown on his only series. More importantly, Mendoza completed just 2 of 6 passes when pressured.
#mendoza #touchdown
For these three rookies, Week 2 of the preseason is a big time for them to step up and show what they can do at the professional level. Let's dive in.
MORE: NFL top 5 richest teams in 2026
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws the ball against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The No. 1 overall pick actually had a solid debut: 10-of-16 passing for 97 yards and a touchdown. But Kirk Cousins went 5-for-6 and immediately led Las Vegas to a touchdown on his only series. More importantly, Mendoza completed just 2 of 6 passes when pressured.
#mendoza #touchdown
16 days ago
