LAS VEGAS — Raiders coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the team is evaluating every aspect of its performance, including a potential switch to No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza at quarterback, following a four-game losing streak.
Kubiak made the comments after the Raiders' 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. He said the team needs to review film and address issues in the red zone, the third quarter, personnel and scheme.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins said his approach will not change. Cousins reiterated his stance from his April signing, saying he does not want to play if he is not the best option for the team to win games. He said he would have been the first to step aside if it became apparent during the first OTA practice.
In the Rams game, Cousins finished with 295 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 59.1 percent of his passes for a 94.4 passer rating. Los Angeles blitzed Cousins on 29.2 percent of his dropbacks, sacking him twice and pressuring him 19 times.
Through seven games this season, Cousins has accumulated 1,877 passing yards. He leads the league with 16 touchdowns against five interceptions.
Kubiak has consistently supported Cousins, with whom he shares a strong relationship from their time together with the Minnesota Vikings. After the Raiders' Week 6 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Kubiak described Cousins' play as "superb."
Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, was the first overall pick in April's draft. He has made one appearance in his rookie season, debuting in the fourth quarter of the Raiders' Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots. Mendoza completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards in limited action.
Cousins acknowledged Mendoza's progress, stating the rookie has done a "great job" and "has a bright future ahead." He added he plans to play as well as possible to help the team win and provide a strong example for Mendoza to learn from.
Despite trailing by 22 points at the end of the third quarter against the Rams, Kubiak said he did not consider a quarterback change during the game. He noted the team made the game competitive late, cutting the deficit to 10 points with 13 minutes remaining.
Las Vegas started the season 3-0 or better before the current four-game losing streak. The team's defense has allowed an average of 35.8 points per game since Week 4.
