Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) is expected to do some big things for the Raiders in the 2026 season. Here Mendoza is seen here between plays against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Thursday Night Football on Aug 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:

#1 Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza 97 yards one touchdown did he get some good looks, Mendoza hit Jeff Bech for a six yard pass in the Raiders first pre season game losing to the visiting Arizona Cardinals 27-14 at Allegiant Stadium.

#2 It was the first time that a top overall draft pick that was selected threw a touchdown in a pre season game since 2018 when Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns against the New York Giants.

#3 Mendoza in the fourth quarter almost got a second touchdown pass that was out of the reach of wide out Deven Thompkins. Mendoza was on target finding rookie Malik Benson for a 19 yard second quarter pass that threaded between three Cardinal defenders.

#4 Raider pass rusher Maxx Crosby who underwent knee surgery back in January sat out Thurday’s game and Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak made the decision to sit Crosby out for this first pre season game.

#5 Raiders first string quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 50 yards and one touchdown how did he look compared to Mendoza?

Join Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts after each home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com