Raiders pummeled by Patriots, leading to Fernando Mendoza’s NFL debut

The Las Vegas Raiders fell 45‑17 to the New England Patriots in Foxborough, a loss that dropped their record to 3‑2 and marked their second consecutive defeat. New England dominated every facet of the game, amassing 536 total yards and averaging 8.1 yards per play. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was instrumental, completing 26 of 34 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns. The Patriots struck quickly, scoring on their opening drive after just five plays. A coverage bust by rookie safety Treydan Stukes set up the first score, and New England repeatedly attacked the Raiders’ young secondary, targeting Hezekiah Masses and Darien Porter. Las Vegas’ offense struggled to protect veteran Kirk Cousins, who was sacked three times and absorbed four additional hits before being yanked late in the contest. Cousins finished 19‑of‑28 for 243 yards, a performance described as his quietest outing since joining the Raiders. Following Maye’s fourth touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, head coach Klint Kubiak removed Cousins and inserted rookie signal‑caller Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza’s debut began promisingly; he completed his first five attempts, moving the Raiders into the red zone. The drive stalled when Malik Benson failed to keep both feet in bounds on a completion try, and Mendoza was stopped short on a ensuing fourth‑down rush. He ended the game 6‑for‑8 for 48 yards, connecting three times with Benson, delivering a 16‑yard strike to Tre Tucker and a two‑yard toss to Dylan Laube on his initial pass. New England capitalized on efficiency, scoring on seven of its ten non‑kneel‑down drives. Las Vegas managed points only three times and endured a five‑possession stretch without a score during the middle of the game. Read the full story at Las Vegas Review-Journal →