Prior to the start of training camp, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said of Kirk Cousins "he's the guy", making it clear he will be the first team quarterback to begin camp
. Two weeks later, the media said 'how 'bout now?' To which he said "it's his job to lose", speaking of course about Cousins. All along the way, throughout the offseason, training camp, and preseason, with Cousins solidly as the starter, but never making it official.Well, Wednesday, the answer to the big mystery was revealed -- Kirk Cousins has been named the Raiders starting QB.
Klint Kubiak made the decision official Wednesday morning following the team's practice. And thus we can all exhale.
Cousins grabbed the reins of the starting QB job the moment he arrived and never
let go. He came in as a veteran QB familiar with Kubiak's offense having worked with him before in Minnesota. The experience and familiarity made for a smooth transition for the 37-year-old veteran QB who also looked like he was back to physically healthy from the injury that hampered him in his last full season as a starter in 2024. So, yeah, Cousins was the obvious choice to be the Raiders starter. At least for now.
Fernando Mendoza will eventually push for that job. The rookie top pick has been diligent in learning his new offense along with his new job taking snaps from under center. But the preseason proved he is far from a finished product and has some more work to do before he's ready to go. Kubiak added that he wishes Mendoza had three more preseason games.
Well, there are no more preseason games. Mendoza will learn a lot by watching Cousins do the job and through his limited practice reps. And when the staff thinks he's ready, the keys will be handed over to him.
For now, it's the Kirk Cousins show. Beginning with the Miami Dolphins in Las Vegas in 11 days.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Kirk Cousins officially named Raiders starting QB
