The Las Vegas Raiders officially entered a new era on Sunday as rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his first career NFL start.
The debut came during a high-stakes matchup against the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks, according to Yahoo Sports.
Mendoza inherited excellent field position to begin his opening drive after the Seahawks committed a fumble.
The rookie signal-caller capitalized on the opportunity by orchestrating a 46-yard scoring drive.
He capped the possession with a 10-yard rushing touchdown to secure an early 7-0 lead for Las Vegas, reported the Las Vegas Raiders on social media.
The touchdown marked the first NFL score of the young quarterback’s career.
The start arrives as other veteran quarterbacks continue to navigate their own respective seasons, including Kirk Cousins, who was active for the Minnesota Vikings on the same day.
The Raiders’ official social media account celebrated the opening performance by posting a brief highlight clip for fans watching the broadcast on CBS.
The team underscored the significance of the moment with a concise post that simply stated, “HIM.”
The early offensive success provided a jolt of momentum for the Las Vegas squad as they faced the defending champions.
Mendoza’s ability to convert his first possession into points serves as a notable milestone for the franchise as they look toward the future of their roster.
While the game remains in its early stages, the rookie’s poise during the opening drive has drawn significant attention from league observers.
The Raiders continue to evaluate their options under center as the season progresses through the month of November.
For now, the focus remains on whether Mendoza can sustain this level of production against a stout Seattle defense.
The organization has yet to provide further comments on the long-term implications of this starting assignment.
Fans and analysts alike are monitoring the progress of the game as the Raiders attempt to secure a victory behind their new rookie leader.