After a 3-0 start, the Raiders have lost four straight and fallen to 3-4, putting quarterback Kirk Cousins’ job under scrutiny. Coach Klint Kubiak says every option is being considered, including a switch to rookie Fernando Mendoza, though the defense—not the offense—has been the team’s biggest weakness.

By the Numbers
  • Raiders’ record: 3-4, after opening 3-0.
  • Cousins: 1,877 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
  • Mendoza: 6-for-8 for 48 yards in limited action.
  • Raiders’ defense has allowed 35.7 points per game during the four-game losing streak.
Yes, But

Cousins has produced solid numbers, and the offense has been relatively steady. The defense’s struggles—ranking among the league’s bottom five in total yards, rushing yards and points allowed—are a major reason the Raiders are losing.

State of Play
  • Kubiak says the team will assess personnel and scheme after its 35-21 loss to the Rams.
  • Cousins says the organization should play whoever gives the team the best chance to win and praised Mendoza’s progress.
  • Mendoza has yet to start a game this season.
What’s Next

Kubiak and the staff will review the film before deciding whether to change the lineup or approach. If they see the season as slipping away, Mendoza could get an opportunity sooner rather than later.

Bottom Line

A quarterback change is possible, but it may not solve the Raiders’ most urgent problem: a defense giving up too many points for the team to recover.