Well, it’s officially official. Klint Kubiak didn’t waste any time at his Wednesday press conference, directly naming Kirk Cousins the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback. It’s the move everyone in the league kinda saw coming, but hearing it straight from the coach just hits different as we head into the thick of the season.
The Veteran Earns His Stripes
Kubiak made it clear, no beating around the bush: “Kirk’s going to be the starting quarterback.” This isn’t just a default setting, either. The head coach laid out exactly why Cousins got the nod, praising his performance big time. We all know how much work goes into an NFL offseason, and apparently, Cousins put in the receipts. Kubiak even said he’s “really happy with all three of our quarterbacks,” but the emphasis was on Cousins, noting, “Kirk’s had a really good offseason, really good camp. And he’s earned it.” That’s the kind of confidence you want your signal-caller to have from the jump.
A Top Pick’s First Big Lesson
Here’s where it gets interesting, especially for the future. The Raiders brass had been signaling this all offseason: the plan was always to let No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza sit back, grow, and soak it all in before hitting the field. So, even though Cousins is the guy, Wednesday wasn’t a total wash for Mendoza. The veteran took a rest day from practice, opening the door for the rookie to get some crucial reps with the first-team offense. Kubiak called it what it is, saying “Live reps are the best medicine, so that was very helpful for him.” It’s a clear sign that while Cousins is leading the charge, they’re actively developing their future. Kubiak even credited the competition, stating it “made Kirk better, it made Aiden [O’Connell] better, it made Fernando better,” underscoring that the QB position really is “the most competitive position in the free world.”
So, as the Raiders gear up, it’s Cousins at the helm. This decision sets the tone for their season, doesn’t it? The vet leads, the rookie learns. It’ll be fascinating to watch how this dynamic plays out on the field, especially with Mendoza already getting those crucial practice reps. You gotta wonder if this early experience is going to light a fire under him, even if he’s riding the pine to start.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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