The Las Vegas Raiders enter the fourth week of the 2026 NFL season with a 3-0 record under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, matching their total win count from the entire 2025 campaign, according to sports reporting from Le Droit. Despite finishing at the bottom of the league standings the previous year with a 3-14 record—earning them the top overall draft pick—the team’s early success stems from veteran play rather than rookie deployment.
Kirk Cousins Leads Offense While Fernando Mendoza Waits
Rather than thrusting top draft selection Fernando Mendoza into the starting lineup, the Raiders have relied on 38-year-old veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to guide the offense. Le Droit reported that Mendoza remains on the sideline as a backup while Cousins paces the NFL with nine touchdown passes through the first three games.
Cousins has compiled 661 passing yards, ranking 16th in the league, while throwing just three interceptions. The veteran signal-caller opened the season by completing passes in wins over the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and New Orleans Saints.
Raiders win first three games of the season
The Raiders began their schedule by defeating the Miami Dolphins 27-13, aided by running back Ashton Jeanty’s 147 total yards and two touchdowns. In Week 2, Las Vegas defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 26-14 as Cousins completed 19 of 29 passes for 253 yards and three scores.
The team secured a 35-27 road victory against the New Orleans Saints, where Cousins added 248 passing yards and three touchdowns. These performances place the Raiders among the five undefeated teams in the NFL alongside the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and San Francisco 49ers.
Defense generates league leading nine takeaways
Klint Kubiak’s defense has generated a league-leading nine takeaways, consisting of four interceptions and five recovered fumbles. With the offense turning the ball over only four times, Las Vegas holds a plus-five turnover margin.
The defense benefits from the presence of defensive end Maxx Crosby, whose reported offseason trade to the Baltimore Ravens was ultimately canceled. This defensive ball-hawking ability has provided the Raiders with consistent field position during their three-game win streak.
Questions Surrounding Sustained Success
Observers continue to question whether Cousins can maintain his current pace over a full 17-game schedule given his age and career limitations. If the veteran experiences a slowdown, questions remain regarding when Kubiak and team management—which includes shareholder Tom Brady—might turn to Mendoza.
The ideal scenario for the franchise involves maintaining competitiveness while allowing Mendoza to develop from the bench, drawing a parallel to Patrick Mahomes’ rookie season in Kansas City.
Who is the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders?
Who is the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders?
Klint Kubiak serves as the first-year head coach of the Raiders, having previously worked as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.
What was the Raiders’ record during the 2025 season?
The Raiders finished the 2025 campaign with a 3-14 record, which secured them the first overall pick in the NFL draft.
How many touchdowns has Kirk Cousins thrown through three games?
Kirk Cousins leads the NFL with nine touchdown passes through the first three weeks of the 2026 season.
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