Kirk Cousins to remain Raiders starting quarterback

Why Is Kirk Cousins Starting Despite the Raiders’ Losing Streak?

The Raiders opened the season with three straight wins, making Cousins’ role as the starter secure. However, after four consecutive losses, the team sits at 3-4. Kubiak told reporters there is “no controversy” regarding the quarterback position as the team prepares to face the Jets. Cousins completed 26 of 44 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, doing much of his damage after falling behind 28-3.

Cousins leads the NFL with 16 touchdown passes through seven weeks, completing 62.6 percent of his passes for 1,877 yards with five interceptions. While the passing offense ranks in the top 10, the team’s defense gave up 386 total yards against the Rams, including nearly 200 on the ground, while the rushing attack has struggled to eclipse 100 yards since Week 3.

When Will Rookie Fernando Mendoza Play for Las Vegas?

Kubiak acknowledged that rookie Fernando Mendoza will take the field eventually. Eventually, Fernando will play football, Kubiak said. He’s going to play at some point. It’s not going to be this week. Mendoza made his NFL debut late in a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards. Mendoza has practiced behind Cousins since being selected with the top pick in April’s draft.

Cousins addressed his status following the loss to the Rams, telling reporters that his perspective hasn’t changed since the spring. I want our football team to have the best chance to win games, and if [in] the first OTA if that had become apparent, I would have been the first one to say, Yeah, you can’t play me, Cousins said. I feel that, you know, Fernando’s done a great job and has a great future ahead, and I try to go out there and play as well as I possibly can to help us win and give him a great example to learn from, until he does go out there eventually.

What Are the Raiders Doing to Fix Their Current Slide?

Following the loss to the Rams, Kubiak stated that the franchise is evaluating all aspects of the team. Kubiak said the staff is thinking about everything to fix our problems, how to fix our issues in the red zone, in the third quarter, personnel [and] scheme. Kubiak’s comments noted that Cousins is playing at a high level and that the team must continue supporting him.

The upcoming matchup against the 2-5 Jets at MetLife Stadium presents a crucial juncture. Las Vegas is only the third team in the past ten seasons to start 3-0 or better before losing four straight games. Following Sunday’s game, the Raiders face a stretch against opponents currently above .500, including the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and Cleveland Browns.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Raiders Quarterback Situation

Who is the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders?

Kirk Cousins remains the starting quarterback for the Raiders heading into their Week 8 game against the New York Jets, as confirmed by head coach Klint Kubiak.

How has Kirk Cousins performed statistically this season?

Over the course of seven appearances, Cousins has accumulated 1,877 passing yards, a conference-best 16 touchdown throws, and five interceptions while successfully connecting on 62.6% of his passing attempts.

Has Fernando Mendoza played in any regular season games?

During the final period of the Raiders’ Week 5 defeat to the New England Patriots, Mendoza made his initial NFL appearance, successfully connecting on 6 out of his 8 passing attempts for a total of 48 yards.