Full Breakdown
Kirk Cousins Likely Starting QB for Raiders After Preseason Opener
8/14/2026, 8:04:19 PM
Core Event: Coach Kubiak Signals Cousins as Week-1 Starter
The comment came after Cousins completed five of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive. Kubiak did not issue a formal depth-chart announcement, but his remarks make clear that Cousins is expected to start the regular-season opener on September 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
Background & Context
The quarterback competition in Las Vegas pits four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins against rookie Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 first-overall pick who won the Heisman Trophy the previous season. Mendoza threw 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards, a touchdown and an interception in his debut, showing flashes of potential while still needing to improve pocket awareness.
Data & Statistics
- Kirk Cousins: 5/6 completions, 50 yards, 1 TD (opening drive).
- Fernando Mendoza: 10/16 completions, 97 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; pressured on 38.9 % of dropbacks, sacked once.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Kubiak emphasized that Cousins has earned the starting role through consistent reps in practice and a solid training camp, while still viewing Mendoza as the long-term franchise quarterback. He praised Mendoza’s scoring drive but noted the rookie must continue developing his command of the huddle and pocket awareness.
Mendoza, reflecting on his debut, admitted he “let my teammates down today” and described the experience as a “growing” one that highlighted the work he still needs to do.
Why It Matters
The decision to start Cousins positions the Raiders with an experienced quarterback for the season opener, providing immediate stability while allowing Mendoza to accrue additional preseason reps. The approach mirrors a typical NFL strategy of pairing a veteran starter with a developmental rookie, especially when the rookie is a high-profile first-overall selection.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kirk’s been getting the reps with the ones. I think he’s had a solid training camp and it’s his job to lose,” — Klint Kubiak, afterward head coach
- “He led a good scoring drive,” — Klint Kubiak, afterward head coach
- “There’ll be some good lessons that we look forward to attacking with the tape with him. He knows he can’t take a sack, and but those are things he’s going to grow from,” — Klint Kubiak, afterward head coach
- “Kirk’s been getting the reps with the 1s. I think he’s had a solid training camp, and it’s his job to lose,” — Klint Kubiak, afterward head coach
