Fernando Mendoza's first NFL start began with a touchdown. The No. 1 overall pick capped the Raiders' opening drive with a 10-yard quarterback draw up the middle, putting Las Vegas ahead of the Seattle Seahawks early at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
The short drive was set up by the defense. On Seattle's second play from scrimmage, Foley Fatukasi forced a fumble by quarterback Drew Lock, and Quay Walker recovered at the Seahawks' 46-yard line. Mendoza went 3-for-3 for 20 yards on the ensuing possession, with all three completions coming on bootlegs before his scoring run.
The game marks the beginning of the Mendoza era for the Raiders. The rookie took over the starting role this week after the team traded Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. Coach Klint Kubiak said the organization is still exploring options for a third quarterback but hopes to avoid using a "Plan C."
Sunday's matchup pits the Raiders against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks. Las Vegas enters Week 10 with more wins under Kubiak than the team totaled all of last season. Excitement surrounding Mendoza's debut was evident in a jump in secondary ticket market prices for the game at Allegiant Stadium.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
English (US)·