Fernando Mendoza Reacts to His Viral Pick-6 with Raiders QB1 Battle vs. Cousins Set to Continue

Fernando Mendoza got a valuable learning moment in the Las Vegas Raiders' 22-20 preseason win over the Houston Texans on Thursday night.

The No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft threw a pick-six on the Raiders' first offensive possession when he was trying to connect with Mike Washington Jr., but instead found Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Mendoza lamented the decision and admitted he shouldn't have tried to fit the ball into that tight window.

"I probably should have checked it down to the flat," Mendoza said. "It was not a good throw. We weren't on the same page."

One thing that stands out on the highlight is Washington was at least the third read for Mendoza on that play. His first read is Malik Benson down the field, then Jalen Nailor before he comes back to the middle of the field.

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen pointed out one aspect of the play that may have resulted in the turnover.

Mendoza's postgame assessment about checking down to the flat probably wouldn't have led to a big play. Fullback Connor Heyward did slip out of the backfield, but Texans linebacker Marte Mapu was right with him to make a tackle.

Even though the Texans rested most of their defensive starters, they still have plenty of depth on that side of the ball to make this a rough test for a young quarterback.

Mendoza showed some of the skill that made him the top pick, including a laser to Nailor that picked up 22 yards two plays before the interception. He finished 8-of-15 for 86 yards with no touchdowns and the pick-six. He was also sacked once and pressured six times.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has not announced whether Mendoza or Kirk Cousins, who did not play Thursday, will be the Week 1 starter. It's still assumed Cousins will get the job, but Mendoza has received more reps with the first-team offense recently to keep things open.

Mendoza's full preseason stat line sits at 18-of-31 (58.1 percent), 183 yards, one touchdown and one interception in two games.

The Raiders have one more preseason contest left against the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 27 before they start to fully prepare for the regular season.

Las Vegas opens the regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.