What happened: Brandt sorted Mendoza's early NFL work into contrasting versions. The assessment compared the quarterback's steady stretches with his abrupt mistakes.
Why it matters: The swings make patience central to evaluating a first-year quarterback. Each outing shapes how quickly coaches expand Mendoza's workload before the regular season.
By the numbers: Mendoza went 10-for-16 for 97 yards and one touchdown in his debut. His second pass in the following game was returned 80 yards for a touchdown.
What to watch: Watch whether Mendoza responds with cleaner timing and decisions in his next preseason action.