Oct 26, 2026 · 1h 32m
Raiders confront roster flaws and the Cousins-Mendoza dilemma
How Do You Fix It
The Raiders’ loss exposes problems in protection, run defense, offensive identity, and the timing of a potential quarterback change.
- 1The Rams won at the line of scrimmage, exposing the Raiders’ protection problems and defensive inability to stop sustained offense.
- 2Kirk Cousins remains the steadier option, but Fernando Mendoza’s eventual promotion depends on the Raiders’ record and protection.
- 3Clint Kubiak’s prescription is straightforward: run the ball, stop the run, improve accountability, and avoid slow starts.
Don't miss
Clint Kubiak accepts responsibility for the Raiders’ slow offensive start while emphasizing running the ball, stopping the run, and winning the next game.
The brief
JT the Brick and Harry Ruiz dissect the Raiders’ loss to the Rams, where Los Angeles controlled the trenches and Matthew Stafford’s quick passing exposed defensive weaknesses.
The central debate is whether Kirk Cousins has done enough to keep the job while Fernando Mendoza waits, especially as poor protection could undermine a young quarterback.
The Jets matchup offers a test of whether the Raiders can stop the run, establish their own ground game, and avoid treating a close opponent as an automatic win.
Sam Munson broadens the discussion to NFL Week 7, weighing coaching choices, quarterback play, injuries, playoff contenders, and the financial success of international games.
Clint Kubiak’s message supplies the episode’s clearest diagnosis: improve team football, run the ball, stop the run, and take responsibility for slow starts.
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