The San Francisco 49ers closed preseason with an 18-12 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders, as Eddy Pineiro’s four field goals and a stingy defense overcame a shaky outing by Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza.
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 18-12 on Friday night, closing out their preseason with a 2-1 record. The 49ers relied on a steady ground game, a relentless defense, and four field goals from Eddy Pineiro to outlast the Raiders, who fell to 1-2. The decisive factor was San Francisco’s ability to pressure Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza and capitalize on short fields, while Las Vegas could only muster field goals against a 49ers defense that played mostly reserves.
49ers Grind Out Win Behind Defense and Field Goals
The 49ers’ offense was efficient if not explosive. Quarterback Adrian Martinez completed 12 of 21 passes for 130 yards, avoiding turnovers while spreading the ball to his receivers. Running back Khalil Herbert provided a spark on the ground, gaining 39 yards on 8 carries (4.9 yards per carry), and wide receiver Jordan Watkins was the top target with 4 catches for 64 yards. The passing game didn’t find the end zone, but it moved the chains and set up scoring opportunities.
Kicker Eddy Pineiro was the offensive star, drilling field goals from 24, 25, 48, and 59 yards. The 59-yarder was a highlight, giving the 49ers a cushion late. On defense, linebacker Jaden Dugger was everywhere, recording a team-high 10 total tackles. Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo added a sack as part of a pass rush that sacked Mendoza twice and consistently pressured him. The 49ers’ defense forced an interception and limited the Raiders to just 57 net passing yards.
Raiders’ Rookie QB Struggles in Preseason Finale
For the Raiders, the story was the continued struggles of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He completed just 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards with an interception and was sacked twice. The 49ers’ reserve defense made life difficult for him, and his performance did little to settle the team’s quarterback competition. Running back Mike Washington Jr. made a strong case for more playing time, rushing for 49 yards on 8 carries, while wide receiver Tre Tucker led the team with 3 catches for 25 yards.
Kicker Matt Gay accounted for all 12 Raiders points, hitting field goals from 37, 53, 45, and 48 yards. The Raiders’ defense, led by linebacker Cameron McGrone’s 5 tackles and a sack from defensive end Keyron Crawford, kept the game close, but the offense’s inability to reach the end zone proved costly. The Raiders managed just 12 points despite having several scoring opportunities, as the 49ers’ red-zone defense held firm.
Turning Point: Pineiro’s 59-Yard Field Goal
The game’s pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when Eddy Pineiro connected on a 59-yard field goal, extending the 49ers’ lead to 18-12. That gave San Francisco a two-score cushion and forced the Raiders to play more aggressively. The Raiders had a chance to tie or take the lead on their next drive, but Mendoza’s interception ended any hope of a comeback. The 49ers’ defense, which had bent but not broken all night, sealed the win.
What It Means for Both Teams
For the 49ers, the win caps a 2-1 preseason, but the bigger concern is the growing injury list. Several key players, including Ashton Jeanty, Mike Evans, Brayden Willis, and Buddy Johnson, are listed as Questionable, while Chigozie Anusiem and Victor Dimukeje are on injured reserve. The team is hoping to get starters like Nick Bosa and Mike Evans back on the practice field next week. The pass rush looks sharp, which is a positive sign, but health will define their regular-season opener.
For the Raiders, the loss drops them to 1-2 in the preseason and leaves the quarterback situation unresolved. Head coach Klint Kubiak has not named a starter, but Mendoza’s struggles may open the door for Kirk Cousins to get the Week 1 nod. The team also faces key decisions on injured players like Ashton Jeanty and a crowded roster heading into cutdown day. The running back position could see Mike Washington Jr. earn a bigger role if Jeanty’s injury lingers.
Key Takeaways
- Eddy Pineiro’s leg was the difference: He hit four field goals, including a 59-yarder, accounting for 12 of the 49ers’ 18 points.
- Fernando Mendoza’s preseason ended on a low note: He threw an interception and completed just 50% of his passes, complicating the Raiders’ QB decision.
- Defenses dominated: The two teams combined for eight field goals and just one touchdown (none, actually—all points came via field goals).
- Injury concerns mount for both teams: Several key players on both sides are Questionable, including Ashton Jeanty and Mike Evans.
- Preseason is over: Both teams now turn their attention to roster cuts and the regular season.
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