What happened: Mendoza opened his NFL preseason work with a touchdown pass and no turnovers. Love contributed as a runner and receiver, while Burrow's two series ended without a touchdown.
Why it matters: Mendoza's first game action followed recent first-team practice reps, adding weight to his quarterback evaluation. Cincinnati's protection faces early scrutiny after Burrow absorbed a sack and another hit.
By the numbers: Mendoza completed 62.5% of his throws and averaged 6.1 yards per attempt. Love averaged 5.2 yards across 14 touches.
What to watch: The next preseason round will test whether Mendoza's efficiency and Love's workload hold. Cincinnati must improve its protection and touchdown production before the regular season.