Klint Kubiak Considering Raiders Quarterback Switch Amid Four-Game Losing Streak

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak is evaluating a move to rookie Fernando Mendoza after the team fell 35-21 to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak is evaluating a potential move to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza following a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The defeat marks the team's fourth consecutive loss, making them the third team in 10 seasons to start 3-0 and subsequently drop four straight games. During the loss to Los Angeles, veteran Kirk Cousins completed 59.1% of his passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a 94.4 passer rating despite being pressured 19 times and sacked twice.

Through seven games, Cousins leads the NFL with 16 passing touchdowns but has seen his production dip from nine scores in the first three weeks to seven in the last four. Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner, has appeared in only one game this season, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards during the fourth quarter of a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots. Kubiak noted that the team is examining personnel and scheme to address issues in the red zone and the third quarter.

The Raiders' defense surrendered 386 total yards to the Rams, including 199 rushing yards as Kyren Williams and Blake Corum both surpassed the 90-yard mark. Offensively, Las Vegas has failed to reach 100 rushing yards in a game since Week 3. In Sunday's contest, starting running back Ashton Jeanty was limited to 1.9 yards per carry on eight attempts, though he contributed a touchdown and 61 yards through the air. The lack of rushing balance has forced the Raiders to rely heavily on the passing game, a trend Kubiak stated is unsustainable for winning in the NFL.