Klint Kubiak is still playing coy, refusing to officially name his starting quarterback for Week 1. But let’s be real, everyone knows what’s up with the Raiders. With just over two weeks until their opener against the Miami Dolphins, the competition between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie first overall pick Fernando Mendoza is basically over. The head coach might be holding out, but the writing is on the wall for who will be under center.
Cousins’ Unchallenged Edge is Obvious
Cousins has held the reins since Day One of training camp. He started as the QB1, led the first-team offense through every single practice, and has consistently been listed first on the depth chart. Kubiak himself even said back on July 28 that Cousins was “in charge of his own fate” and that “it’s his job to lose.” That’s a pretty strong vote of confidence from the jump, telling you all you need to know about the hierarchy. When Cousins has had a few shaky moments, Mendoza hasn’t been able to capitalize and truly outplay him, leaving Cousins with a clear edge from the very beginning. The veteran has looked like the man for the job, despite the coach’s lingering silence.
Mendoza’s Rookie Hurdles Show He’s Not Ready
Fernando Mendoza’s final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers didn’t exactly scream “starter material.” In their 18-12 loss, Mendoza got some significant snaps, taking over after Cousins’ first two drives and playing until the start of the fourth quarter. He finished 7 of 14 for 57 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and took two sacks, leading to a pretty low passer rating. That’s a definite step down from his debut performance against the Arizona Cardinals, where he put up 97 yards, a touchdown, and only one sack.
Kubiak didn’t mince words after that 49ers game, saying Mendoza “needs another three preseason games, all those rookies do.” He highlighted how tough it is with the NFL’s new three-game preseason, drastically cutting down on those critical in-game reps for developing players. “Now that the season’s starting the practice reps get smaller and that’s just life,” Kubiak explained. He even pointed out that this preseason time was “very valuable” for Mendoza to learn from Cousins, which is classic coach-speak for “he’s not ready to lead the team yet.” There were even “lowlights” for the rookie, including a pick-six during a joint practice with the Texans. It’s clear the rookie isn’t quite there.
The Inevitable Week 1 Decision
So, the mystery might technically remain, but the signs are shouting. Every single indicator points to Kirk Cousins being under center for Week 1. Kubiak’s reluctance to just say the name feels more about developing Mendoza without too much pressure than any real QB controversy. Get ready, because the Raiders are heading into their season opener against the Miami Dolphins with a clear starter, even if the coach won’t actually say it out loud until the last possible second.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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