Kirk Cousins
Cousins is the Raiders' starting quarterback and has produced well in Kubiak's offense, but the rookie behind him is a live threat to the job if results slip.
Role
Cousins has been the starter since Kubiak named him on Sept. 2 and still tops the depth chart, per Kubiak's comments reported Oct. 13. He reunited with Kubiak and OC Andrew Janocko from their Minnesota days. Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, is the backup. He made his first NFL appearance in garbage time against New England and went 6 of 8 for 48 yards. Tre Tucker caught both of Cousins' touchdowns against Buffalo. I did not find snap or target share data, and I did not read the depth chart page itself.
The offense has produced. Raiders.com says Cousins has 14 touchdown passes, tied for the league lead, and that the team's scoring is nearly double last year's 14.3 points per game. The Raiders started 3-0. Cousins threw for 313 yards in the 33-30 loss to Buffalo and rallied the team from two 10-point deficits. Kubiak has said Cousins is the starter. Raiders Beat notes he is playing well within his physical limits, and TSN argued the team could defensibly stick with him for another month or two.
The team has lost three straight and is 3-3. Raiders Beat says there are plays he can't make at 38, with a slower release than Mendoza and arm strength that forces more anticipation. It calls his margin on tight-window throws little to none. TSN says his lack of mobility is a problem and that Kubiak's rollout plays have been shelved for him. New England's pass rush hounded him in Week 5. Cousins also threw the only interception in the Buffalo game, and the Raiders had little running game there. A benching or a trade remains possible, and the trade deadline is Nov. 10.
Where analysts split
The disagreement is about timing: when Mendoza replaces Cousins. Raiders Beat says the ideal landing spot is Nov. 29 against the Browns, if Cousins isn't traded first, and that a loss to the Rams could make a switch tempting. TSN says the team can keep Cousins another month or two. Kubiak has only said Cousins is the starter and Mendoza will be ready if called on. No source I read gave a firm date.
Research confidence: reported. Outlooks are grounded in web search over current reporting and refreshed through the season.
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