Raiders Not Benching Anyone, Cousins Starts: Coach Says Roster Decision Is Settled

The Las Vegas Raiders extended their four-game losing streak. The team fell 35-21 to the Los Angeles Rams in its last game. After the game, head coach Klint Kubiak responded to claims that first-round pick Fernando Mendoza could take over from Kirk Cousins in the lineup.

Kubiak said the team has weighed all of its options. However, he stressed there is no disagreement over the roster. He said Cousins is the team's starting quarterback and the first choice at the position. The coach said the real problems are inefficiency in the red zone, a drop-off in the third quarter, and the game plan.

The defense is in an even worse state. Since Week 3, the Raiders have allowed the most points and the most yards in the league. Against the Rams, the team gave up 199 rushing yards. On the ground, the team has not reached 75 yards in any of its last four games. Out of five red-zone trips against Los Angeles, it managed only one touchdown.

Cousins defended his own performance. He ranks first in the league with 16 passing touchdowns this season and has a 97.4 passer rating. Against the Rams, despite a weak first half, he threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns. The quarterback said he will respect the team's decision about Mendoza's future, but for now he is working to be the best option on the field.