Raiders Evaluate Mendoza Switch After Fourth Straight Loss

Key points

• The Raiders fell to a 3-4 record after a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, marking their fourth consecutive defeat.
• Klint Kubiak indicated the team is reviewing personnel, scheme, and red zone performance, leaving open the possibility of a quarterback change.
• Kirk Cousins completed 60% of his passes during the losing streak, down from 67.4% in the first three weeks, though he remains statistically productive with 16 touchdowns.
• The defense has allowed 35.8 points per game during the skid, including 11 passing touchdowns, which complicates the decision to insert a rookie.
• Fernando Mendoza has only played in garbage time, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards in Week 5 against the Patriots.

Background

The Raiders began the 2026 season 3-0, with Mendoza drafted first overall but intentionally held back to develop behind Cousins. Mendoza made his debut in Week 5 during a 45-17 loss to the Patriots, marking the first time a No. 1 pick did not start Week 1 since 2018. The team’s early success masked underlying issues that have emerged during the current losing streak.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports and NFL.com emphasize the defensive collapse as the primary driver for potential change, noting that a quarterback switch may not solve the team's inability to stop elite opponents. ESPN’s source was unavailable, but NFL.com highlights that Cousins’ performance, while regressed, is not poor enough to warrant immediate benching on its own. theScore notes that Cousins remains statistically productive with a league-leading 16 touchdowns, suggesting the decision is more about team dynamics than individual failure. All sources agree that Kubiak’s postgame comments about 'thinking about everything' signal a potential shift, though no immediate decision has been made.

Why it matters

A move to Mendoza would accelerate the Raiders' transition to a young franchise quarterback, potentially impacting their 2027 and beyond plans. However, inserting a rookie into a struggling defense could hinder his development, making the timing of the switch a critical strategic decision for the organization.

What to watch

The Raiders will face the New York Jets in Week 8, followed by a tough November schedule including the 49ers, Seahawks, Broncos, and Browns. Kubiak’s response to follow-up questions on Monday will indicate whether a change is imminent or if the team will wait until after the November gauntlet.