Klint Kubiak sends starting job warning to Kirk Cousins after Fernando Mendoza’s debut

Starting jobs are not safe in sports, especially in the NFL. Head coach Klint Kubiak made that clear to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins following rookie Fernando Mendoza’s preseason debut in the Las Vegas Raiders’ matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Cousins gears up for the 15th season of his career in the league, his first with the Raiders. He has enjoyed a solid career as a starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons. He looks to carry his consistency over to the Raiders. Cousins comes out of the quarterback battle as the starter after competing with Mendoza throughout training camp. That doesn’t mean that the team’s top overall pick from the 2026 draft won’t be getting reps throughout the preseason and potentially the regular season. Cousins attempted six passes in his preseason debut for the Raiders, completing five throws for 50 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown during four drives.  Kubiak reflected on both quarterbacks’ performances after the game, via ESPN. Despite Mendoza’s strong performance, Kubiak reaffirmed that Cousins is in the driver’s seat to be the starting quarterback in Week 1. “It’s his job to lose,” Kubiak said. How Kirk Cousins and Raiders Played Against Cardinals Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Despite being the starter, Kirk Cousins will certainly get a tough challenge from Fernando Mendoza. Both quarterbacks garner attention for different reasons with their respective skillsets, as Klint Kubiak and the Raiders’ coaching staff will monitor their overall forms going into the 2026 campaign. Las Vegas was unable to get past Arizona after losing by a 27-14 score. The Cardinals outmatched the hosts in the first half with a 21-14 advantage, adding another six points in the third quarter to have more distance. The Raiders were unable to respond as the team went scoreless for the entire second half. Mike Washington Jr. led the rushing attack with six carries for 63 yards. In the receiving game, Jack Bech and Michael Mayer caught five passes for 44 yards and two touchdowns combined. The Raiders have two preseason games left on the schedule, facing the Houston Texans on Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. ET and the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. ET. After that, their regular season begins at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13 at 4:25 p.m. ET. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —