After undrafted rookies Jack Strand and Jalon Daniels saw the first action among rookie quarterbacks around the NFL this season, the No. 1 pick finally made his debut on Sunday.

While Kirk Cousins was the Raiders‘ starter and has been impressive early in the season, a trouncing at the hands of the Patriots put the game out of reach for Las Vegas by the middle of the fourth quarter. Klint Kubiak plugged Mendoza in for Cousins as the reigning Heisman Trophy winner took snaps for the first time since the preseason.

Once Mendoza entered, the Raiders’ offense started to show signs of life.

Here’s what you need to know about Mendoza’s NFL debut against the Patriots.

MORE: Why Tyson Bagent was benched for Case Keenum

Fernando Mendoza NFL debut

Mendoza entered with the Raiders trailing 45-17 in the fourth quarter on Sunday:

The rookie completed his first five pass attempts, including a connection with Tre Tucker for a first down.

Mendoza’s first drive entered the red zone but fizzled out at New England’s 14-yard line, with the No. 1 pick only picking up three yards on a fourth-and-4. Here were his stats from the drive, which was his only taste of action in the loss:

  • Comp/att: 6/8
  • Pass yards: 48
  • TD: 0
  • INT: 0
  • Rush att: 1
  • Rush yards: 3
  • Rush TD: 0

With the Raiders still 3-2 and the defense creating most of their problems on Sunday, Cousins figures to remain Las Vegas’ starter for the time being. For a first impression, though, Mendoza didn’t hurt his case.

Fernando Mendoza highlights

Mendoza connected with Tucker for this first down:

Here’s a second first down for Mendoza on the drive:

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