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Kirk Cousins
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2026 2:55 pm
by Reno Hightower
I have rarely seen a QB do more with less. Kubiak has made it clear that he is the guy this year but his play has really defied conventional wisdom. The run blocking is as putrid as it was last season. The pass blocking has been getting compliments but how much as that has to do with Cousins's pocket presence and pre snap reads?
I am not sure the subject deserves its own thread but I think what he has accomplished this season cannot be overstated and he has essentially put the offense on his back. I don't think anyone saw this coming.
Thoughts?...
Re: Kirk Cousins
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2026 7:01 am
by Willmark
Fragility has nothing to do with it IMO. It has everything to do with setting him up for success.
While not the same situation (nothing ever is) sitting Mahomes his first year was immensely helpful to his development. He even mentioned it in the post game press conference after our game.
I have to believe that they are long at this for the long game. As Raider fans we have seen so much crap over the last two decades that we want success yesterday. That also might not be the best thing either.
Kirk is in there to get us through the rough patches and we’re almost out of it standing at 4-5.
Looking ahead after Seattle?
Broncos
Browns
Chargers
Broncos
Titans
Cardinals
Chiefs
There is very much a number of wins there. Say at minimum we win the ones we should (browns, chargers, titans) that puts us at 7 wins maybe if we split with the broncos then 8 and maybe one more against the chiefs. Either way 7-9 wins after going 4-13 is a massive improvement year one.
And add to it Mendoza could be getting live fire by the chargers.
Re: Kirk Cousins
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2026 7:03 am
by Cruisin with Tooz
This team has a lot of holes. We need 2 guards, a WR, 2 DT/NG, and 1CB for starters. KC can be used to fill 1 of those holes. This team isnt a playoff team and KC is a goner in 8 weeks anyway. So we can get something for him + save 10 million on the 2027 cap or we can get nothing for him and pay that 10 million towards the 2027 cap. This should be a no brainer. Everyone recognizes Mendoza has to be starting at some point this year. Ive heard some say the Cle game. So let me get this right. We want to hold onto KC as the starter for TWO MORE GAMES, and that is worth passing up an extra 2nd round pick and 10 million cap dollars. This should be an easy decision fellas.
Re: Kirk Cousins
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2026 7:42 am
by Willmark
This assumes someone wants/is willing to trade for Kirk. Doubtful after yesterday.
Re: Kirk Cousins
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2026 8:47 am
by Attyla
Willmark wrote: Mon Nov 09, 2026 7:42 am
This assumes someone wants/is willing to trade for Kirk. Doubtful after yesterday.
Cousins intentionally played bad so he would not be traded
Re: Kirk Cousins
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2026 8:55 am
by Xramfan
raiders93 wrote: Sun Nov 08, 2026 9:47 pm
Cousins also has 15 years of NFL experience on Mendoza. I think the IQ thing is under appreciated here. Mendoza is probably not reading defences at Kirk’s level yet. Changing plays at the line at Kirk’s level yet. Getting through his progressions as fast as Kirk yet.
Mendo for sure has substantially better tools than Kirk at this point but the offence we’ve got right now is not exactly friendly for a rookie QBs. I think Mendo is going to be a stud and I want to see him too, but I’m also inclined to think that we probably don’t win many games after that switch.
Not because Mendo will be bad, I just think it’s unlikely he’s as steady as Kirk and we’re basically gonna be asking him to carry the offence. With our defence there’s basically no margin for error. We’ll see some flashes from Mendo but probably not enough consistency and not enough help to keep pace with how bad our d is.
All your points are valid but I agree with Manning here when he said holding the clipboard and learning on the sidelines is great but there is a limit as to how much you learn vs when its go time for live action. I think he believed a half dozen games was plenty.
Re: Kirk Cousins
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2026 9:04 am
by Xramfan
Willmark wrote: Mon Nov 09, 2026 7:01 am
Fragility has nothing to do with it IMO. It has everything to do with setting him up for success.
While not the same situation (nothing ever is) sitting Mahomes his first year was immensely helpful to his development. He even mentioned it in the post game press conference after our game.
I have to believe that they are long at this for the long game. As Raider fans we have seen so much crap over the last two decades that we want success yesterday. That also might not be the best thing either.
Kirk is in there to get us through the rough patches and we’re almost out of it standing at 4-5.
Looking ahead after Seattle?
Broncos
Browns
Chargers
Broncos
Titans
Cardinals
Chiefs
There is very much a number of wins there. Say at minimum we win the ones we should (browns, chargers, titans) that puts us at 7 wins maybe if we split with the broncos then 8 and maybe one more against the chiefs. Either way 7-9 wins after going 4-13 is a massive improvement year one.
And add to it Mendoza could be getting live fire by the chargers.
Not sure if a comp to Mahomes is a good one. He was picked 10th or so and his rep was he was a gun slinger that needed developing if I recall. But yes he became one of the best in the game.
Mendo is a different set of tools altogether. I think his rep is the fact he is so high IQ and learns very quickly.
Two different styles and personalities. I also think KC was in a playoff hunt with Smith and went 10-6 while Patrick sat. If they were out of playoff contention I seriously doubt Smith would have continued after mid season.
Re: Kirk Cousins
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2026 9:37 am
by Opoponax50
It's a stretch to say we're in the playoff hunt, but the numbers show that we are, and Cousins is the biggest reason for that.
New England is the 7th seed at 5-4. Cleveland stands at 5-4, and we're tied with Baltimore at 4-5.
The Ravens are only going to get worse and after seeing the Browns yesterday, we have a good shot to beat them. The Pats are an unsteady 5-4, and could take a nosedive too.
I don't think we make the playoffs, but should a few things go our way, we could.
The point is that there's no way we're pulling Cousins until we're out of it or he gets injured. It's also concerning that there are consistent articles saying that the coaching staff won't put Mendoza in until he's ready. Does that mean he's behind where he should be or does it just mean they want to shut the press up?
Whatever the case, as long as we have even a semi-realistic chance to get to the postseason, Kirko's gonna be the guy.
Re: Kirk Cousins
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2026 9:52 am
by RI RAIDER
Unfortunately, there is no recipe for the development of QB's. Each team has different methodologies and personnel (coaches and team mates). The huge advantage of having a potential franchise QB is that it allows you to build your team while he is not making the big bag (that window moves fast). I am not saying we should rush a kid in there when he does not belong (I do not think this is the case for Fernando). The question is when is the optimal time to put the kid in there. Is Fernando really going to be better off to continue on the bench at this point? Let the kid at least stick his toe in the water. A planned and scripted couple of series is far better off than not playing him or unexpectedly throwing him to the wolves (which happened against the Pats and he did well). Its time for this kid (whether a series, a half, or the entire game). Him sitting and being extra cautious with him does not help anyone.