Cousins Shines in Raiders Preseason, Starter Status Still Undecided

The Las Vegas Raiders have wrapped up their preseason, and while Kirk Cousins has demonstrably outperformed rookie Fernando Mendoza, Head Coach Klint Kubiak remains coy about naming a starting quarterback. Despite the clear on-field evidence, Kubiak is holding off on officially anointing Cousins as the Week 1 starter for the September 13, 2025, regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Kubiak’s Hesitation on Naming a Starter

Speaking to reporters following the team’s preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers, Kubiak stated, “I still don’t think we need to name anybody.” This stance appears to be a deliberate strategy, possibly intended as a motivational tactic or to prevent any player from becoming complacent with their role. Kubiak has previously indicated a desire to keep all players, including the quarterbacks, on their toes.

However, this approach is beginning to border on the theatrical. In the same press conference where he declined to name a starter, Kubiak discussed Mendoza taking backup repetitions once regular-season practices commence. He also suggested that the rookie could benefit from additional preseason games, a notion that seems at odds with the statistical reality of Cousins’ performance.

Statistical Evidence Points to Cousins

The numbers from the preseason paint a compelling picture. In limited action during the final preseason game, Cousins completed 8 of his 11 passes, primarily in the first quarter. His overall preseason statistics are impressive: 13 completions on 17 attempts, a 76.5% completion rate, 101 yards, and one touchdown. This performance resulted in a passer rating of 110.2, which the team announced as the best mark by a Raiders quarterback with a minimum of 17 attempts since 2017. In layman’s terms, Cousins has been exceptionally sharp.

“Kirk looks great, he looks ruthlessly efficient,” Mendoza himself commented on his veteran teammate’s performance. This praise comes in stark contrast to Mendoza’s own preseason outings. He struggled in recent games, throwing an interception in each of the last two contests and barely clearing a 50% completion rate for consecutive weeks on 5 of 9 attempts.

Mendoza’s Development and Practice Reps

Kubiak’s comments about Mendoza needing more time and practice are understandable from a developmental standpoint. “He needs another three preseason games, all those rookies do,” Kubiak said, referring to the rookie class. “And now that the season is starting, the practice reps get smaller and that’s just life.”

The coach emphasized the ongoing commitment to developing the young quarterback. “But us, as coaches, we got to keep getting him ready to play, keep developing him.” This focus on development is standard procedure in the NFL. As regular-season practices begin, teams typically allocate the majority of repetitions to their starting quarterback to ensure they are fully prepared for the upcoming games.

The backup quarterback, by contrast, receives limited practice work. Kubiak’s own acknowledgment that Mendoza will be the backup, and that his practice reps will decrease, strongly suggests that Cousins is being groomed for the starting role. The decision to delay the official announcement, therefore, seems less about competition and more about managing the transition and development process for the team’s future at the quarterback position.

The Path Forward for the Raiders Quarterback Room

While Kubiak’s deliberate pace in naming a starter might create some intrigue, the practical implications are becoming increasingly clear. The veteran presence and efficient play of Kirk Cousins during the preseason have provided a stable and effective option for the Raiders. Meanwhile, the team is clearly invested in the long-term growth of Fernando Mendoza, understanding that his development will be crucial for the franchise’s future success.

The decision to keep the starter designation fluid for now could be a way to maintain focus and competition throughout the roster, even as the quarterback situation appears to be settling. As the regular season approaches, the Raiders will need to finalize their plans to ensure optimal preparation for their Week 1 matchup against the Dolphins. The statistical performance and experience of Cousins make him the logical choice for the immediate future, while Mendoza’s continued development remains a key storyline for the season ahead.