Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak confirmed on Monday that Kirk Cousins will keep his starting role. This decision follows recent speculation regarding rookie Fernando Mendoza's potential to take over the position.
The 16-touchdown argument for Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins remains the statistical engine of the Las Vegas Raiders offense, boasting a league-leading 16 passing touchdowns. As the source reported, Cousins has paired this scoring output with only five interceptions, resulting in a high 97.4 quarterback rating through seven games.
The decision to stick with the veteran is rooted in these efficiency metrics. Beyond the touchdowns, Cousins ranks third in the NFL with 1,877 passing yards, completing 62.6% of his atteempts. For head coach Klint Kubiak, these numbers provide the necessary stability to navigate a difficult season.
A four-game losing streak following the Rams defeat
The Raiders are currently mired in a four-game losing streak, a slump that includes a recent 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. During that Sunday matchup, Cousins completed 26 of 44 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns, though the effectiveness of the performance was debated.
Critics noted that much of Cousins' success against the Rams came during the second half when facing a softer zone defense. The Raiders struggled to find rhythm early, failing to record their first touchdown until a 37-yard connection with Tre Tucker in the fourth quarter.
The developmental roadmap for Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza is being positioned as the long-term successor rather than an immediate solution to the team's recent struggles. The Miami product, identified in the report as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has yet to see game action during his rookie campaign.
Klint Kubiak has emphasized that the organizational strategy involves allowing Mendoza to learn from a veteran presence. According to the report, the plan was always to have Cousins run the offense efficiently to provide Mendoza with the necessary time to mature behind the scenes.
Will a loss to the Jets force a change in direction?
The upcoming matchup against the New York Jets serves as a critical inflection point for the Raiders' quarterback hierarchy. While Kubiak expressed confidence in Cousins, the pressure to evaluate the rookie may intensify if the team's losing streak continues .
Several questions remain regarding the team's immediate future:
- Will the Raiders' coaching staff pivot if the offense continues to struggle against the Jets?
- How much more playing time will Mendoza receive in practice to prepare for a potential takeover?
- Can the defense provide enough support to offset the team's recent scoring droughts?
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