Deadspin: Raiders streaking the wrong way, but stick with Kirk Cousins at QB

Kubiak backs Cousins after loss

Las Vegas’ fourth consecutive defeat came Sunday, when the Raiders fell 35-21 to the Rams. On Monday, head coach Klint Kubiak reaffirmed Cousins’ place as the starter. Kubiak had prompted questions the night before by saying the team would “look at everything” when asked about putting first overall pick Fernando Mendoza into the lineup. He later said Cousins was playing at a very high level and looked forward to his matchup against the Jets.

Numbers favor the veteran

Cousins has thrown 16 touchdown passes, the most in the NFL, and his 1,877 passing yards rank third. Against the Rams, he completed 26 of 44 attempts for 295 yards and two touchdowns.

Mendoza remains the backup

Mendoza has completed six of eight passes for 48 yards, all during mop-up duty at New England on Oct. 11. He was drafted first overall in April after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to the 2025 national championship.

Cousins said the team should play whoever is the best option, and praised Mendoza’s work and future prospects. He said he would keep trying to help the Raiders win while setting an example for the rookie.

Raiders seek fixes across team

After opening the season 3-0, Las Vegas has struggled with issues that Kubiak said extend beyond one position. He cited red-zone execution and the third quarter, and said the team would discuss personnel and scheme.

Kubiak said players need to complete one-on-one opportunities near the goal line by making throws and catches. General manager John Spytek and Kubiak had said Cousins would start the 2026 season.