Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is preaching accountability with the Las Vegas Raiders, but his own missed throws under pressure are part of what needs fixing. His October 14 message included the condition Vikings fans know too well. “But we got to show it on Sunday.”
Cousins was responding to the Raiders’ 45-17 Week 5 loss to New England, which included Fernando Mendoza’s first NFL snaps. With Las Vegas trailing by 28, Klint Kubiak saw a chance to give the rookie some experience. Mendoza replaced Cousins with 6:06 remaining.
Cousins said the loss hadn’t changed his opinion of his teammates. “They point the thumb, not pointing the finger, and just want to get better, want to learn, and get better together.” Cousins is saying what you’d want a rookie quarterback to hear, but Minnesota fans have seen how a productive Cousins passing line can leave plenty to fix.
Minnesota Vikings fans know why Kirk Cousins’ numbers need context
Kubiak coached Cousins in Minnesota from 2019 through 2021, finishing as offensive coordinator. Their reunion gives Las Vegas a starter who knows the coach’s offense and fits its patient quarterback plan. Cousins was Minnesota’s unquestioned starter. In Las Vegas, his job includes buying time for a younger quarterback.
Cousins has thrown for 1,269 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions through five games. Against New England, he went 19-for-28 for 243 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. A 3-2 team getting that production doesn’t need to turn one rout into a new quarterback plan.
Vikings fans saw Cousins throw 33 touchdowns against seven interceptions for Kubiak in 2021 and still miss the playoffs. His passing line didn’t cover Las Vegas’ other problems, either. New England gained 536 yards, and Ashton Jeanty managed 27 on 10 carries, his third game below three yards per carry this season.
Raiders Live | HC Klint Kubiak and QB Kirk Cousins | 10.14.26 https://t.co/Z1QzkiHgTT
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 14, 2026
Cousins’ accountability should start with how he responds to pressure. During the presser, he said New England sent more rushers than Las Vegas could block, and the offense failed to complete passes against those blitzes. He added, “I got to be better there.”
Cousins and his receivers have to recognize those looks together and execute the answer before the free rusher arrives. Cousins doesn’t get a pass on missed throws just because he avoided interceptions.
Kubiak’s offseason praise for Cousins’ leadership gets tested here. After the blowout, the veteran kept his assessment of his teammates the same. “It’s a great group,” Cousins said. “But we got to show it on Sunday.”
Mendoza’s debut produced six completions on eight attempts for 48 yards. That small sample, with reserve skill players around him, provides coaching material but doesn't show whether he’s ready to start.
Mendoza said he should’ve targeted Deven Thompkins over the middle instead of scrambling short on fourth-and-4. Kubiak now has a specific decision to correct with the rookie while Cousins prepares to face Buffalo.
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