Raiders flop in blowout loss at Patriots to lead to Mendoza's late-game debut

Las Vegas Raiders fell 45-17 to the New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass., dropping to 3-2 on the season and prompting rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s first NFL snap. Head coach Klint Kubiak began his tenure with a perfect four‑start record, but the unit collapsed in the early‑morning kickoff. The Patriots dominated every phase, handing Las Vegas its worst defeat since a 31-0 shutout by the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 of last year. The loss bore little resemblance to the Week 5 setback against Kansas City, when the Raiders led for most of the game and stayed competitive until the final seconds. New England racked up 536 total yards and averaged 8.1 yards per play. Drake Maye, the reigning MVP runner‑up, opened the scoring with a 79‑yard drive capped by a 35‑yard touchdown pass to Demario Douglas on just five snaps. Las Vegas’ defensive miscues began early. A communication error on the opening series fell to rookie safety Treydan Stukes, and New England’s offensive coordinator—former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels—focused heavily on attacking the young secondary. The Patriots repeatedly tested rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses and his backup, Darien Porter. Masses entered the game with three interceptions and six pass breakups but was overwhelmed by Maye, who finished 26‑of‑34 for 374 yards and four touchdowns. The Raiders’ pass rush, once a strength, managed only a single sack, giving Cousins ample time to operate. Cousins completed 19 of 28 attempts for 243 yards, absorbed three sacks and four additional hits before Kubiak pulled him. After Maye’s fourth touchdown midway through the fourth quarter—connecting again with Douglas after hitting rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy—Kubiak replaced Cousins with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. With New England playing conservatively to avoid explosive plays, Mendoza settled into short throws, completing his first five attempts to move Las Vegas into the red zone. His drive stalled when rookie receiver Malik Benson failed to secure a completion on first down, and Mendoza subsequently scrambled for a short gain on fourth down. Mendoza’s inaugural NFL passing line reads 6‑for‑8 for 48 yards, three of those completions going to Benson. The longest gain was a 16‑yard strike to Tre Tucker; the first completion was a two‑yard pass to running back Dylan Laube. New England converted seven of its ten non‑kneel drives into points, while Las Vegas managed only three scoring opportunities and endured a stretch of five consecutive possessions without points in the middle of the contest. Tight end Brock Bowers gave the Raiders an early lead with a 13‑yard touchdown reception from Cousins, matching Douglas’ opening score. Las Vegas did not add another point until midway through the third quarter. After missing an extra‑point try in the second quarter, kicker Matt Gay nailed a 46‑yard field goal, making the score 28‑10 before Maye rushed for a touchdown that broke a tackle by Porter. Bowers led the offense with eight receptions for 110 yards, converted a fourth‑and‑2 attempt, then fumbled. He carried the bulk of the rushing load, gaining 38 yards on 18 carries, while starting running back Ashton Jeanty managed 26 yards on ten attempts. Looking ahead, Kubiak must address the shortcomings before Las Vegas hosts AFC Super Bowl contender Buffalo Bill at Allegiant Stadium next Sunday. For the first time under his leadership, the squad appeared uncompetitive in New England. Read the full story at Las Vegas Sun →