Kubiak Evaluates Quarterback Options
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is looking at every option to end a four game losing streak. That includes considering top draft pick Fernando Mendoza over veteran Kirk Cousins. The Raiders fell into a four game slump after a 35-21 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Kubiak said the team must review film and think about everything to fix issues in the red zone, third quarter, and personnel schemes. Cousins acknowledged the situation, stating he wants the team to have the best chance to win games. Cousins added that he would be the first to say he should not play if he was not the best option.
Cousins Performance and Mendoza Background
Cousins completed 59.1 percent of his passes against the Rams, throwing for 295 yards and two touchdowns with a 94.4 passer rating. Los Angeles blitzed him on 29.2 percent of his dropbacks, sacking him twice and pressuring him 19 times. Across seven games, Cousins has 1,877 passing yards, a league leading 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Mendoza was selected first overall after winning the Heisman Trophy. The rookie quarterback made his debut in Week 5 during a loss to the New England Patriots, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards. Cousins said Mendoza has done a great job and has a bright future ahead of him.
Defensive and Ground Game Struggles
The quarterback position is not the only problem for Las Vegas. The defense has allowed an average of 35.8 points and 416.5 yards per game since Week 4. Against the Rams, the defense surrendered 386 total yards, including 199 yards on the ground. Rams running backs Blake Corum and Kyren Williams both ran for over 90 yards, while Matthew Stafford threw three first half touchdowns.
The running game has also stalled. Las Vegas has not reached 100 rushing yards since Week 3. Ashton Jeanty managed only 1.9 yards per carry on eight attempts, though he added 61 receiving yards and a touchdown. Kubiak emphasized that a team cannot win by throwing constantly without balance.
Historical Context and Team Record
Las Vegas is only the third team in the past 10 seasons to start 3-0 or better and then lose four straight games, joining the 2021 Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. Kubiak and Cousins share a strong relationship from their time with the Minnesota Vikings, and Kubiak previously called Cousins superb after a Week 6 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
However, if the team continues to drop games, the chances of seeing Mendoza on the field will grow. For now, Cousins stated he will try to play as well as possible and give Mendoza a good example to learn from.
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