Raiders Weigh Mendoza QB Switch After Four Losses — SkimNews
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- Klint Kubiak said after the Raiders’ 35-21 loss to the Rams that the team is evaluating its red-zone and third-quarter play, personnel and scheme, including the possibility of starting No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza over Kirk Cousins.
- Kirk Cousins has thrown for 1,877 yards, a league-leading 16 touchdowns and five interceptions through seven games; against the Rams, he completed 59.1% of passes for 295 yards, two touchdowns and a 94.4 passer rating.
- Fernando Mendoza made his only appearance in Week 5, entering with six minutes left in the fourth quarter and completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards.
- Klint Kubiak said he did not consider changing quarterbacks Sunday because the Raiders were making the game competitive down the stretch, cutting a 22-point deficit to 10 with 13 minutes remaining.
- Raiders’ defense has allowed an average of 35.8 points and 416.5 yards per game since Week 4, then conceded 386 yards against Los Angeles, including 199 on the ground.
- Ashton Jeanty caught 61 yards and a touchdown but averaged 1.9 rushing yards on eight carries against the Rams; the Raiders have not recorded at least 100 rushing yards since Week 3.
Why it matters: Cousins started Sunday, and Kubiak said he did not consider changing quarterbacks because Las Vegas rallied. The more material issue is broader: since Week 4, the defense has allowed 35.8 points and 416.5 yards per game, while the run game has not reached 100 yards since Week 3.
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