Klint Kubiak Leaves Raiders Quarterback Battle Unsettled After Preseason Win

The Las Vegas Raiders still haven’t named a starting quarterback, and head coach Klint Kubiak isn’t in a hurry to change that. Despite sitting Kirk Cousins for Thursday’s 22-20 preseason win over the Houston Texans and watching rookie Fernando Mendoza run the offense for an entire half, Kubiak declined to name his Week 1 starter after the game.

Asked whether it was safe to call Cousins the guy, Kubiak was non-committal. “We got another week. I don’t want anyone to be comfortable in their job,” Kubiak said. “It should always be that way for all positions. So, let’s keep going.”

Mendoza just got his first extended look running the offense, and it came with mistakes. Mendoza completed 8-of-15 passes for 86 yards, threw a pick-six on the opening drive, took a sack, and got pressured six times against Houston.

Mendoza knew the plan heading into the preseason. “Coach Kubiak outlined for the team what the plan was going to be with the starters, essentially for Weeks 1, 2, and 3 of the preseason, [and] to keep it internally,” Mendoza said. “That was something I knew going into the game was going to be a great experience as a first start in the NFL preseason, which is always the next step.”

On the pick-six, Mendoza tried to check the ball down, but linebacker Wade Woodaz jumped the route and took it 80 yards the other way. “I probably should have checked it down to the flat,” Mendoza said. “It was not a good throw. We weren’t on the same page.”

Veteran Experience vs. Rookie Upside

Cousins gives Las Vegas an established passer who doesn’t need reps to prove he can run an NFL offense, which is presumably why Kubiak felt comfortable resting him along with other key starters like Maxx Crosby, Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and Kolton Miller.

Mendoza represents the long-term plan, but Thursday was a reminder that plans take time. His pocket movement, decision-making under pressure, and chemistry with young receivers like Malik Benson are all still works in progress.

Mendoza was candid about needing to clean up his footwork under duress. “Maybe stepping up in the pocket,” he said, “maybe stepping side to side to give [me] a little bit more time and try to best serve my teammates.”

That kind of self-scouting is normal for a rookie, but it also explains why Kubiak isn’t rushing to hand him a starting job with real games two weeks away. It’s a similar dynamic to what’s playing out with Cleveland’s unresolved quarterback situation.

Aidan O’Connell closed out Thursday’s game, throwing for 166 yards and scoring the winning touchdown on a fourth-quarter run, which only adds another dimension to a crowded quarterback room.