Raiders Retain Kirk Cousins as Starter Despite Four-Game Losing Streak
What happened
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will start Week 8 against the New York Jets, leaving 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza on the sideline despite a four-game skid.
The Context
* A Tale of Two Halves: After an initial 3-0 start, Las Vegas dropped four consecutive contests, culminating in a 35-21 Week 7 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. * The Bridge Strategy: Kubiak brought in the four-time Pro Bowl passer as a developmental buffer for Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner out of Indiana. * System Stability over Panic: Coaching leadership pointed to widespread team execution deficits rather than quarterback efficiency, opting to retain offensive continuity.
The Number
— Kirk Cousins paces the NFL with 16 touchdown passes through seven games, confirming his individual output remains high-caliber despite the team's slide to 3-4.
Takeaway
Expect Mendoza to remain in a low-risk development track until postseason math or tactical changes demand an immediate pivot under center.
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