Fernando Mendoza took a sack, was hit four other times, threw a pick-six and led the Raiders to only three points. It was a rough night for the No. 1 overall pick against the backup defensive players for the Texans.
The Raiders quarterback played the entire first half and went 8-of-15 for 86 yards, with a drop by Malik Benson for what could have been a big gain.
The Raiders gained 55 yards on their opening drive, including a 22-yard pass from Mendoza to Jalen Nailor, before Texans rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz stepped in front of Mike Washington Jr.
Woodaz went 80 yards for a touchdown with the interception.
Veteran edge rusher Maxx Crosby greeted Mendoza on the sideline with words of encouragement.
“He’s been great,” Crosby said of Mendoza in a sideline interview with ESPN. “You come in as a rookie, and you’ve got to start all the way back at the bottom. He’d had the right attitude. He’s working his ass off. He’s in here every single day encouraging dudes and just working. That’s all you can ask for.”
Matt Gay hit a 52-yard field goal to give the Raiders their only points of the first half. They trail 20-3 at halftime.
Mendoza handed over the reins to Aidan O’Connell to start the second half.
In his preseason debut last week, Mendoza was 10-of-16 for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals.
