Klint Kubiak is a man of few words. He proved it literally in a press conference. The starting quarterback debate appears to be over based on Kirk Cousins‘ and Fernando Mendoza’s efforts in the Raiders’ preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. For the third week in a row, however, coach Klint Kubiak declined to select a regular-season starter.
Following Las Vegas’ 18–12 defeat at Allegiant Stadium, Kubiak stated:
“I still don’t think we need to name anybody,” “We have a lot to talk about at a lot of positions, so we want to watch the film and talk about everything as a staff.”
Kubiak’s use of each quarterback once again suggested that Cousins will start for the team against the Miami Dolphins on September 13 in Week 1, even if he is still keeping his choice close to the vest.
After missing last week’s road game against the Houston Texans, Cousins got his second start of the preseason on Thursday. Kicker Matt Gay scored a field goal on each of the two drives the seasoned signal-caller played with the anticipated starters.
Cousins had an 82 quarterback rating after completing 8 of 11 passes for 51 yards. Cousins went 13-of-17 with 101 yards and a touchdown in his two preseason games, including the first game against the Cardinals.
Cousins isn’t giving Kubiak’s hesitation to announce the starter much thought just yet. He is aware that the first-time head coach has the last say. Cousins stated:
“Naming something one day could change the next”. “You just go about your business each day, methodically, and let the chips fall where they may.”
With 56 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Mendoza and a few of the starters joined the game. Linebacker Tatum Bethune intercepted his pass to wide receiver Jalen Nailor on the second play.
Before Bethune caught the ball, it rebounded off Nailor’s hands. Nailor ought to have made the catch, according to Kubiak.
Mendoza’s second preseason interception brought the No. 1 pick’s anxious evening to a head. He had a passer rating of 31 and completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards. He was under a lot of pressure. Mendoza was under pressure six times and fired twice by the 49ers.
