Klint Kubiak just broke Fernando Mendoza’s heart: He’s all in on Kirk Cousins

The Las Vegas Raiders are going through a difficult stretch after suffering their fourth consecutive loss against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7 of the NFL season. With a 3-4 record, the team’s playoff hopes are becoming more complicated, while pressure continues to grow for changes within the organization.

One of the biggest debates centers around the quarterback position. A portion of the fan base is calling for rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft, to replace veteran Kirk Cousins. After the loss to the Rams, head coach Klint Kubiak left the door open to evaluating every possibility, but he later clarified his stance.

The coach was clear: Cousins remains the Raiders’ starting quarterback, and there is no competition for the job.

“There is no controversy there,” Kubiak told reporters on Monday. “He’s playing at a very high level. … Excited for him to go play against the Jets.”

Despite the team’s losing streak, Cousins has not been the main issue for Las Vegas. The veteran quarterback currently leads the NFL with 16 touchdown passes and, while his lack of mobility presents a challenge, he has avoided making too many mistakes and has not been consistently pressured by sacks.

The Raiders’ problems lie elsewhere, mainly with their defense and running game. Until those areas improve, a quarterback change would be unlikely to solve the team’s struggles. For now, the franchise has a clear plan for Mendoza and has no intention of rushing his development.

Kubiak says Fernando Mendoza will get his opportunity

The patience of some fans is beginning to run out, but the Raiders were not viewed from the start as a team built to compete for a championship. Their perfect 3-0 start raised expectations, but the reality of the season has turned out differently.

Before the season began, Las Vegas was considered a rebuilding team, focused more on the future than on an immediate Super Bowl push.

With constant calls for Mendoza to see the field, Kubiak assured that the young quarterback will get his opportunity, but it will happen according to the organization’s timeline.

“Fernando is going to play football,” Kubiak said. “We have a plan. We don’t have a timeline for that. Kirk is playing well, and we’re in the hunt.”

From Kubiak’s perspective, the offense is not yet in the ideal situation to hand the reins to a rookie. The Raiders have struggled to establish the running game and rely too heavily on one consistent playmaking receiver, a situation that could make Mendoza’s transition more difficult.

The schedule has also not helped the Raiders. Their last four losses came against teams with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, not just teams fighting for a playoff spot.

The outlook could improve in Week 8 against the New York Jets, who enter with a 2-5 record, but challenging matchups against the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are waiting afterward. If the organization decides to hand the offense over to the rookie in a favorable situation, that opportunity could come now or potentially in the matchup against the Chargers in Week 14.