Raiders rookie Mendoza throws pick-six in preseason loss to Texans

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza experienced a challenging outing in his second NFL preseason appearance, throwing a pivotal interception returned for a touchdown during a 20-3 first-half deficit against the Houston Texans on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The No. 1 overall draft pick, who is the Raiders' hope for a future franchise signal-caller, struggled against a defense led by Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, providing a stark contrast to his solid debut the previous week.

Mendoza started and played the entire first half. On the Raiders' second drive of the game, he attempted a pass over the middle of the field intended for Mike Washington Jr. However, Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz stepped in front of the receiver, intercepted the throw, and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. The play gave Houston a 14-0 lead and visibly frustrated Mendoza, who was seen red-faced on the sideline afterward. Veteran defensive end Maxx Crosby was among the first to console the rookie.

"Yeah, that's football, you know? It's not gonna be perfect," Crosby told reporters on the sideline. "He's a rookie. You got to go through, you know, some ups and downs as part of the game, and it's how...