Kirk Cousins: The Current Choice for the Raiders

This preseason, Kirk Cousins didn’t really dazzle anyone. He certainly didn’t capture the Raiders’ starting quarterback role with a series of stunning passes, nor did he provide much reassurance that he’s the same player he was prior to his Achilles injury in 2023.

Truth be told, he’s not.

His arm strength seems diminished. The ball doesn’t always have the same zip, and those explosive throws that were once a hallmark of his play are noticeably fewer.

However, the Raiders aren’t choosing between peak Cousins and Fernando Mendoza—who, by all accounts, is still figuring out the NFL game. They’re weighing the current version of Cousins against a rookie who still has a fair bit to learn.

At this point, Cousins remains their best option.

Now, Klint Kubiak might hesitate to make that call, but I’m ready to step up. Cousins should be the starting quarterback for the Raiders when they kick off the season against the Dolphins on September 13.

Sure, this decision might not excite a fan base eager to see Mendoza, the first overall pick, make his debut. But choosing Cousins is the sensible choice for a team grappling with questions throughout its offense.

The Raiders haven’t yet shown they can reliably protect their quarterback. And their wide receivers? Well, they didn’t do much during camp or the preseason to prove they can consistently create separation or make big plays. The game plans were basic, I suppose, but the repeated lack of production from that group was hard to overlook.

Neither of those scenarios particularly sets up well for a rookie quarterback.

On a positive note, Mendoza has shown flashes that should give the Raiders some hope. He appeared calm, tough, and capable of working through his reads. Yet, he also experienced some of those typical rookie moments that serve as reminders of just how challenging the transition from college football to the NFL can be.

“I’m pleased with his progress,” Kubiak mentioned. “But we definitely need to keep pushing him to improve.”

Mendoza gets that. “The NFL is a tough league.” He acknowledged the significant leap from college to the pros, reflecting on the speed of the game and the numerous factors in play. “It’s a challenging business, but it’s one I’m excited to tackle with my teammates.”

And that’s completely fair. Mendoza has talent, but as they say, talent alone won’t bridge that learning gap.

Cousins offers the Raiders a veteran presence capable of managing the offense, reading defenses, and getting the ball out before things get messy. He knows how to navigate adverse conditions, and honestly, right now, that experience may outweigh whatever’s left in his arm strength.

He can keep things stable while allowing Mendoza time to develop.

The essential consideration here is that Cousins should be seen as a bridge, not a roadblock.

As long as the stakes remain high, the Raiders should allow Cousins every chance to keep them competitive. If things go surprisingly well and they find themselves in the playoff race, they should stick with Cousins for as long as he keeps them relevant.

The NFL season has a peculiar way of shifting expectations. An unexpected win or a young player stepping up can dramatically alter the course of a season. So, if the Raiders are still in the mix come November or December, they shouldn’t abandon it just to adhere to an artificial quarterback-development timeline.

Winning still has its importance.

Nonetheless, there should come a moment when the organization takes a sincere look at where things are headed.

Once the games lose significance, Mendoza needs to see the field.

Not eventually, and certainly not just for one carefully orchestrated late-season appearance. The Raiders must give him a genuine shot at starting games—making mistakes, correcting them, and absorbing everything that playing quarterback in the NFL entails.

They can’t squander an entire season just to let him watch from the sidelines if it’s only leading to a slightly better overall record.

There’s merit in Mendoza learning from a veteran. He can observe Cousins’ preparation, his game planning, how he studies opponents, and how he copes with the pressures that come with the role. But eventually, passive observation runs its course.

Eventually, Mendoza needs the hands-on training that only actual games can provide.

He has to experience a real NFL pass rush breathing down his neck. He must learn to identify hidden coverages, adjust protections, and know when to take risks versus when to throw the ball away. He needs to feel the weight of a costly interception and then gather himself for the next drive.

Those lessons can’t be replicated in practice or gleaned from the sidelines.

The Raiders have invested too much in Mendoza—and his development is too crucial for their future—to reach the end of the season without a clearer understanding of his potential and the areas needing improvement.

That doesn’t mean throwing him into the game before he’s ready. It means crafting a thoughtful strategy and being prepared to react as situations evolve.

Cousins has earned the right to be the starter at the season’s outset. He still provides the most stability, even if he isn’t quite the quarterback he was three years ago. His job is to maintain some level of consistency while keeping the offense moving, all while holding the door open for a potentially more competitive season than expected.

Mendoza’s moment will arrive.

The Raiders just need to ensure that when winning is no longer the top priority of playing Cousins, prioritizing Mendoza’s development becomes a must.