Fernando Mendoza’s second preseason game turned quickly on the No. 1 overall pick.

With Kirk Cousins granted the night off on Thursday, Aug. 20, Mendoza got the start for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Houston Texans. After a few initial hiccups, the Silver and Black offense seemed off to a promising start. Mendoza ripped a 22-yard dart to wide receiver Jalen Nailor – the unit’s first-stringer taking part in the evening – and rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. scampered for 33 yards to put the ball at Houston’s 24-yard line.

Then, things unraveled for Mendoza and Las Vegas.

On a play-action pass on first-and-10, Mendoza drifted to his left and attempted to throw over the middle on a checkdown to Washington. But Texans rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz stepped in front to snag the interception.

Mendoza gave chase to attempt to stop the score, but Woodaz ran 80 yards for the pick-six to put Houston up 14-0.

After his mixed review of a preseason debut the previous week, Mendoza said he “let my teammates down.” It seems likely that the Heisman Trophy-winning signal-caller will have another harsh self-review after his throw Thursday.