Los Raiders comenzaron sus juegos de pretemporada 2026 con una derrota de 27-14 ante los Cardenales de Arizona en el Estadio Allegiant, pero el resultado pasó a segundo plano ante la oportunidad de ver por primera vez en acción a dos de las grandes novedades de Las Vegas: Kirk Cousins y Fernando Mendoza.
Cousins fue el encargado de iniciar el partido y solamente necesitó una serie ofensiva para dejar su marca. El mariscal de campo veterano completó 5 de 6 pases para 50 yardas y culminó con un pase anotador de 13 yardas a Michael Mayer.
"No hay nada como un partido, especialmente para la posición de quarterback, cuando te quitan la camiseta roja", destacó Cousins sobre la intensidad de volver a ver acción en un juego. "Es importante salir al campo y enfrentar esas balas en vivo. Fue bueno tener esa experiencia. Creo que el equipo jugó con mucha intensidad y los entrenadores nos dieron un buen plan. Seguiremos construyendo a partir de aquí y esperamos ir a Houston, enfrentar a una defensa realmente buena y tener las prácticas de la próxima semana."
La conexión entre Cousins y la ofensiva será una de las historias importantes de los Raiders durante las próximas semanas, y su primera serie dejó una muestra de lo que el equipo espera conseguir.
Después llegó el esperado debut de Mendoza. La primera selección global del Draft tuvo cuatro series ofensivas y completó 10 de 16 pases para 97 yardas y un touchdown.
Su primera anotación como Raider llegó durante una ofensiva de 79 yardas y 10 jugadas. Mendoza encontró a Jack Bech en un pase de seis yardas para poner puntos para Las Vegas nuevamente en el marcador.
Pero Mendoza también reconoció que el salto al nivel profesional se siente de inmediato.
"Creo que la confianza siempre es una gran parte de cómo juegas, especialmente si eres atleta, artista, intérprete o simplemente en la vida diaria", aseguró Mendoza. "La confianza es un aspecto importante de tu desempeño. Y una de las fuentes de confianza es la experiencia previa. Así que me he apoyado en eso en el pasado. Sin embargo, el señor (Tom) Brady pudo hablar con nuestro equipo anoche y dijo: 'No importa qué tan buen jugador de preparatoria o universidad hayas sido, la NFL es un nivel diferente', y esta noche lo sentí. Tengo mucho que aprender de esto."
Mendoza tuvo momentos positivos, pero también enfrentó situaciones nuevas que le permitirán aprender de cara a los siguientes partidos de preparación.
Otro de los momentos destacados llegó de parte del corredor Mike Washington Jr., quien tuvo un acarreo de 53 yardas en primera oportunidad y larga tras un castigo, la cual provocó una gran reacción de la afición presente.
"Fue electrizante", aseguró Washington sobre la experiencia de tener una jugada explosiva en su primer partido con los Raiders. "Es algo parecido a lo que dijo Fernando: es como tu primer día regresando a la escuela, jugando tu primer partido. Sé que es un partido de pretemporada, pero es mi primer partido. Poder romper una carrera larga en mi primer partido fue increíble."
Washington Jr. tendrá más oportunidades de demostrar que puede convertirse en una pieza importante dentro del grupo de corredores mientras continúa la batalla por posiciones en el roster.
Aunque hubo aspectos positivos, el entrenador en jefe Klint Kubiak dejó claro que los Raiders todavía tienen mucho trabajo por delante. Kubiak quedó especialmente satisfecho con la primera serie ofensiva y con la manera en que la defensa respondió después del medio tiempo, pero reconoció que el equipo estuvo lejos de jugar un partido perfecto.
"El partido en sí, tenemos mucho que mejorar", declaró Kubiak. "Estoy muy contento con lo que hizo la ofensiva en esa primera serie; Kirk (Cousins) nos comandó en el campo. También estuve muy contento con lo que hizo nuestra defensa en la segunda mitad en terceras oportunidades después de la primera mitad. Pero hay muchas cosas que necesitamos mejorar".
Y esa es precisamente la naturaleza de la pretemporada. Los Raiders ahora tendrán un día libre antes de regresar a Henderson para entrenar sábado, domingo y lunes. Después viajarán a Houston, donde tendrán una práctica conjunta con los Texans el martes antes de enfrentarlos el jueves.
La derrota ante Arizona ya quedó atrás. Ahora comienza otra semana de evaluación, con Cousins, Mendoza y muchos otros jugadores buscando seguir construyendo su lugar dentro de estos nuevos Raiders.
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9), tight end Michael Mayer (87) and center Tyler Linderbaum (65) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80), wide receiver Jack Bech (18) and running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) and wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Atonio Mafi (56), tight end Ian Thomas (80), wide receiver Jack Bech (18) and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80), wide receiver Jack Bech (18) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Benito Jones (94) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) and cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Caleb Offord (39) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) and wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Kansei Matsuzawa (38) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devyn Perkins (49) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Roman Hemby (37) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) and linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. (53) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) and tackle Gary Smith III (75) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) during the preseason home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
