Kirk Cousins is having an excellent start to life with the Las Vegas Raiders. The quarterback only joined the franchise in the offseason, and has already become a pivotal part of the team. He has led them to a perfect 3-0 start to the 2026 NFL season.
Cousins has been starting the games ahead of Fernando Mendoza, who joined the franchise as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He talked about how he is helping the rookie quarterback.
Cousins has guided the Raiders to a great start to the season. They have managed to beat the Miami Dolphins, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the New Orleans Saints, and are one of five teams to be still undefeated. It is the first time since 2021 that the franchise has started the season 3-0. The quarterback has been very important, and has delivered three touchdown passes in each game so far. In total, he has completed 62 of 92 attempts for 661 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko (left) talks with quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza (15) and Kirk Cousins (8) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Head coach Klint Kubiak named Cousins the starter after the veteran performed well in the offseason and training camp. The decision shocked many as Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated 2025 season and a national championship while throwing for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. Cousins is expected to mentor the younger quarterback to adapt well to the NFL.
FOX Sports analyst Mark Schlereth shared what Cousins told him about mentoring Mendoza on “The Rich Eisen Show.” He revealed, “Kirk Cousins told me, ‘Hey man, the best thing I can do for Fernando Mendoza is play great and show him what an NFL offense is supposed to look like. That’s the best thing I can do for him.”
It goes in line what he previously said about mentoring Mendoza, as he wants the rookie to develop on his own and also learn from him. Cousins is also preparing himself for the next game against a strong opponent.
The Raiders will face the Kansas City Chiefs next, which could be a real test for them. The Chiefs are also having a perfect 3-0 start to the season, and look very formidable with Patrick Mahomes. But Cousins is more focused on facing their defense.
He praised defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme and said, “You just want to be prepared. I think he’s got a great scheme. He coaches his players well. I think they play fast because they know what he wants to accomplish, and he’s done a great job for a long time in this league, and have a lot of respect for him, and it’s always a challenge going against him.”
Kirk Cousins and the Raiders will prepare for the next game against the Chiefs.
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