Yahoo Sports NFL on Mike Washington Jr.

ArticleFernando Mendoza's Raiders debut proved Kirk Cousins' value – and that's OKAugust 14, 2026

From the article

In trying to check down to fellow rookie Mike Washington Jr., he led the running back into a massive hit from cornerback Denzel Burke, who was waiting in the flat.

Captured by STACKED 7 hr after posting

STACKED’s take

Negative signalUsage

Washington Jr. led into hit on checkdown; Mendoza's pocket management issue.

Running back Mike Washington Jr. was targeted on a checkdown by Fernando Mendoza on a second-and-18 play in the preseason debut. Mendoza led Washington into a massive hit from cornerback Denzel Burke, who was waiting in the flat, resulting in a negative play that forced the Raiders to play it safe on third-and-long with a draw.