Biggest overreactions from Raiders' Week 1 preseason loss to Cardinals

After several months of anticipation, Las Vegas Raiders fans saw the newest version of their team under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak in a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. So, of course, there are overreactions to Thursday's loss in the preseason opener.

Clearly, the Raiders have a lot to clean up from penalties to better finishes in pass coverage, but fans shouldn't jump to quick conclusions after the team's first exhibition game. Many also have strong thoughts on the quarterback situation, secondary and special teams unit.

But one game is way too small a sample size to make big proclamations about this Raiders team. So, here are three bold claims on the heels of the preseason loss that need some context.

Let's pump the brakes on these Raiders overreactions after preseason Week 1

Fernando Mendoza played well enough to create a QB controversy

Fernando Mendoza handled himself well in the pocket and on a couple of scrambles in his preseason debut. He completed 10 out of 16 pass attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown, ran for six yards on two carries and took a sack.

Outside the boxscore, Mendoza showed the pocket poise you'd like to see out of a top pick, made smart decisions to throw passes away instead of forcing the ball downfield and threaded the needle on his touchdown drive.

For some, Mendoza has done enough for him to take the field right away. They would rather see the rookie take his lumps early in the season rather than watch nearly 38-year-old Kirk Cousins lead the offensive huddle.

In the postgame press conference, though, Kubiak said that it's Cousins' job to lose.

Although Mendoza had a solid outing, Cousins also looked sharp, completing five out of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive. He looked like a 15-year veteran who had played in Kubiak's system before, and that's exactly what the Raiders should've expected from him.

Barring an injury, Cousins will be the Raiders' starting quarterback in Week 1, though it's good to see that Mendoza looks comfortable under center with a command of Kubiak's offense.

Raiders must add cornerback help immediately

To say the Raiders' boundary cornerbacks had a tough outing is an understatement. 

Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. scored the Cardinals' first touchdown with Darien Porter in coverage.

The Cardinals came out with the intention to test rookie fourth-rounder Jermod McCoy, and it worked out in their favor. McCoy gave up two touchdowns in the red zone.

Let's remember that McCoy hasn't played in a football game since December of 2024. Even the NFL preseason is much different from college football, with players competing for roster spots. McCoy struggled mightily, but just days away from his 21st birthday, he has a lot of room for growth.

While one can argue that McCoy gave up his first touchdown after a push-off, he must understand the physicality of the pro game and fight through contact to get his hands on the ball. 

Training camp standout Hezekiah Masses gave up multiple catches in soft coverage. 

Overall, none of the cornerbacks in contention for the No. 2 spot helped themselves in this matchup. The Raiders didn't force an incompletion until the third quarter. 

That said, it's too early to give up on the development of a young trio. McCoy has to knock off some rust. Masses has to be more aggressive. Porter needs to do a better job of playing the ball in the red zone. In all their cases, more reps, situational drills and quality coaching can aid them in the early stages of development. 

Porter, Masses and McCoy should see plenty more preseason snaps before the Raiders consider a move to bring in a free-agent cornerback or acquire one via trade. 

Matt Gay will be the kicker for the regular season

Kansei Matsuzawa, "The Tokyo Toe," definitely hurt his chances to win the kicking job. He missed a 38-yard field goal and the landing zone on a kickoff. He may have dealt with some nerves, but in the NFL, undrafted rookies only get a few chances to prove themselves. 

However, we shouldn't crown Matt Gay the winner of the Raiders' kicking battle yet. He made a couple of extra-point attempts, but the seven-year veteran didn't attempt a field goal in Thursday's loss.

Last season, Gay only made 73.9% of his field-goal attempts. The Raiders would probably like to see how accurate he can be in a game setting before they make any decisions at the position.

It may be Gay's job to lose, though don't rule out the Raiders bringing in more competition or someone to replace Gay if he struggles in the next two preseason games.

Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow