The Las Vegas Raiders entered Week 5 with a bit of momentum. They were 3-1 and had played good football to this point. Unfortunately, Klint Kubiak watched his team get absolutely destroyed by Drake Maye and the New England Patriots.

The Raiders used the blowout to allow Fernando Mendoza to get in-game reps for the first time. The 2026 first-overall pick made his debut against the Patriots on Sunday. He threw for 48 yards, completing six of his eight pass attempts. After the game, Mendoza spoke about his official NFL debut.

“It's a good experience. Every rookie has it at some point, so it was just that time. I was really proud of how the offense rallied even late in the game, and with undeniable effort there at the end,” the Raiders quarterback said, via ESPN's Ryan McFadden.

Kubiak explained his decision to play Mendoza against New England. He told McFadden that he wanted to give the rookie quarterback real game exposure. While he was impressed with what Mendoza did, the plan at quarterback remains unchanged.

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The Raiders defense had no answer for the Patriots offense on Sunday. Drake Maye had a big day, scoring five total touchdowns and 374 yards. Wide receiver Kyle Williams had a big day, racking up 91 receiving yards on three catches.

This is certainly a game Kubiak and his team will want to put behind them quickly. Las Vegas will need to put its best foot forward in Week 6. They are taking on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills at home on October 18.