Raiders Defeat Texans, Kubiak Won't Name Starting Quarterback

The Raiders are still not ready to name a starting quarterback, and that makes the final week of the preseason much more interesting in Las Vegas.

Head coach Klint Kubiak declined to commit to Kirk Cousins or rookie Fernando Mendoza after Thursday night’s 22-20 preseason win over the Texans. That is notable considering Cousins did not play, while Mendoza received a ton of first-half action.

“We got another week,” Kubiak said after the game. “I don’t want anyone to be comfortable in their job. It should always be that way for all positions. So, let’s keep going.”

Fernando Mendoza Struggles Against Texans

Mendoza did not exactly make an overwhelming case to start in Houston. The rookie completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

It was a rough moment early in the game. The Raiders managed only three points with him running the offense in the first half, and Houston carried a 20-3 lead into the break.

Still, one uneven preseason performance does not necessarily close the door. Mendoza looked much better in his first preseason appearance, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. Cousins also played well in that game, completing 5 of 6 passes with a score.

What Comes Next For Raiders

Cousins is the safer choice if the Raiders want to ease Mendoza into the NFL. He is the experienced option, while Mendoza is the franchise’s long-term investment and the player Las Vegas eventually expects to take over.

Las Vegas hosts the San Francisco 49ers next Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium. If Mendoza gets another significant run with the first-team offense, perhaps this is more of a competition than it first appeared.

The quarterback decision could also affect the team’s early betting outlook. Monitor the latest Raiders odds as Kubiak closes in on his Week 1 starter.