Fernando Mendoza throws 3 TDs as Las Vegas Raiders beat New Orleans Saints 27-22 in Week 3

New Orleans, LA - Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdown passes, Jack Bech delivered a 146-yard receiving performance and the Las Vegas Raiders defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-22 in Week 3.

Las Vegas earned the five-point victory despite New Orleans holding advantages in first downs, passing yards and offensive yards. The Saints produced 23 first downs and 439 offensive yards, including 367 through the air. The Raiders finished with 16 first downs and 378 offensive yards, but their production was more evenly divided between 223 passing yards and 155 rushing yards.

Mendoza completed 20 of 31 passes for 223 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, finishing with a 104.6 passer rating. Bech was his leading target, catching 10 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. His longest reception covered 55 yards.

Las Vegas also received touchdown catches from Brock Bowers and Tyreek Hill. Bowers finished with three receptions for 29 yards, while Hill caught two passes for 21 yards. Together with Bech, they accounted for Mendoza's three scoring throws.

"I'm happy with the three touchdowns, but the interception is something I want to clean up," Mendoza said. "Jack was dependable all game, and we had good production on the ground. There are still things we can improve even when the result goes our way."

That ground production featured Ashton Jeanty, who rushed 14 times for 112 yards and recorded a 35-yard run. Mike Washington Jr. added 34 yards on six carries and scored a rushing touchdown. Jeanty averaged eight yards per attempt as Las Vegas finished with 83 more rushing yards than New Orleans.

"You want to make yourself available and give the quarterback a reliable option," Bech said. "The ball came my way a lot, and I wanted to make every opportunity count. Getting that kind of day in a win makes it feel a lot better."

Among the game's sharpest statistical contrasts was the performance inside the red zone. Las Vegas made three trips and scored two touchdowns without a field goal. New Orleans reached the red zone four times, recording one touchdown and two field goals.

The Saints' passing game still produced some of the afternoon's biggest numbers. Spencer Rattler completed 25 of 41 attempts for 315 yards and two touchdowns, posting a 101.1 passer rating. Tyler Shough added 52 yards on 5-of-9 passing.

Chris Olave accounted for more than half of Rattler's passing yardage, finishing with 10 receptions for 181 yards and both New Orleans touchdown catches. Olave's longest reception went for 46 yards, matching the longest completion on Rattler's stat line.

"The yards and catches are part of the job, but the result is what you remember," Olave said. "We moved the ball and had chances in scoring territory. Twenty-two points wasn't enough today, so that's the part that's frustrating."

The difference in rushing output was substantial. While Jeanty surpassed 100 yards on 14 carries, the Saints totaled 72 rushing yards as a team. Travis Etienne Jr led New Orleans with 65 yards on 18 attempts, including a long run of 14 yards.

New Orleans converted seven of its 17 third-down attempts and went 1-for-2 on fourth down. Las Vegas was 5-for-10 on third down. Those figures accompanied the Saints' advantage in first downs and offensive yardage, but the scoreboard finished in the Raiders' favor.

Both defenses recorded one sack. Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye split the Raiders' sack, and Crosby also registered a pass deflection. The Saints finished with one interception in addition to their sack, while Las Vegas did not record an interception.

For the Raiders, the defining verified result was the final one: a 27-22 road victory in a game where New Orleans accumulated 61 more offensive yards and seven more first downs.

Up Next

Las Vegas will return home in Week 4 to host the Kansas City Chiefs, while New Orleans remains home and looks to rebound against the Atlanta Falcons.