Raiders Coach Open to Benciing Kirk Cousins Amid Losing Streak

Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak has not ruled out replacing starting quarterback Kirk Cousins with rookie Fernando Mendoza, signaling a potential shift in the team's strategy as they grapple with a four-game losing streak.

Following the Raiders' 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Kubiak was asked about the possibility of starting Mendoza. He responded, "At this point we’re thinking about everything," indicating that no position is secure.

Cousins, aware of the mounting pressure, stated that his approach remains consistent: "It’s really the same every day as it was in March or April. Nothing changes in the sense that if I’m not the best option, then I don’t want to be out there either."

In the loss to the Rams, Cousins completed 26 of 44 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns. However, much of his success came in the second half when the Rams were playing a softer defensive scheme. At halftime, the Raiders trailed significantly, with Cousins having thrown for only 39 yards on seven of 12 completions.

The Raiders' struggles have intensified since their initial 3-0 start to the season. Their first touchdown against the Rams did not come until the fourth quarter, a 37-yard reception by Tre Tucker from Cousins.

When Cousins signed with the Raiders as a free agent, he was aware that Mendoza was being groomed as the team's future at quarterback. "The organization will do what they feel is best," Cousins commented. "But I feel that Fernando has done a great job and has a bright future ahead."

Cousins expressed his commitment to contributing positively to the team, regardless of his role. "I’m gonna go out there and try and play as well as I possibly can, help us win, and give him a great example to learn from, until he does go out there," he said.