After starting the season with a 3-0 record for the first time since 2021, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Rex Ryan were asked if the Raiders are finally “good” again.
Ryan said he still doesn’t know, but Schefter believes they are good and talked again about the added benefit of the Raiders going undefeated in the month of September.
“You ask if they’re good. They’re 3-0 good,” Schefter said on ESPN’s Get Up on Monday. This strong start reflects the team’s hard work during the off-season, focusing on refining strategies and building chemistry among players. Training camps have been intense, with rigorous drills and practice sessions designed to prepare them for the challenges ahead. The coaching staff has been pivotal in instilling discipline and focus, ensuring that players remain committed to their goals.
“This is a league that is about momentum. So are the Raiders good? They’re good. Are the Patriots 1-2? That’s what they are. These things change every year. This is more the Raiders year than last year. This doesn’t look like the Texans or Patriots or Packers year. That’s how these things work. The hidden value in all these wins for the Raiders is that with each win that they pile up, they get to keep their no. 1 pick overall Fernando Mendoza on the bench that much longer.”
When he was drafted in April, many believed Mendoza had a chance to win the starting job and when Kirk Cousins was named the starting quarterback, speculation kicked off right away around when Mendoza would be handed the job. The franchise’s decision to draft a promising talent like Mendoza indicates their commitment to building a strong future. The coaching staff is likely focusing on his development, ensuring he gains valuable insights from watching Cousins lead the team during crucial games.
For now, the belief is that as long as the Raiders are in playoff contention and Cousins is playing well, there won’t be a change at quarterback. The management seems to prefer a stable approach, allowing Cousins to showcase his abilities while also preparing Mendoza for when the time to step in arrives. This strategy creates a competitive environment that benefits not just the quarterbacks but the entire roster as they push each other to improve week after week.
Assuming that is the plan, it will be interesting to see what Klint Kubiak and company do if the team doesn’t stop winning. After what happened with J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota, the decision makers in Las Vegas could leave the door open for Cousins to come back in 2027. It’s a delicate balancing act, where the team must weigh current success against future potential. Decisions made this season could have long-term implications, shaping the roster for years to come and affecting the team’s ability to compete in a tough division.
A lot would need to happen before Cousins would be the plan for 2027 but based on the way September played out, it certainly seems like a scenario that can’t be ruled out yet.
Fan engagement is also at an all-time high, with social media buzzing about the Raiders’ performance. This increased visibility can attract new fans and strengthen existing support. Merchandise sales are likely to see a boost as excitement builds around the team’s potential playoff run. The Raiders must capitalize on this momentum, engaging with their fanbase and fostering a strong community as they move forward in the season.
Kirk Cousins gaining trade value with each Raiders’ win…
Another scenario that can’t be ruled out is the idea of a trade involving Cousins before the deadline. Trade discussions are heating up as teams evaluate their positions and assess the talent available on the market. Each win adds credibility to Cousins’s performance, showcasing his ability to lead and win games under pressure. The Raiders must consider the implications of trading away a player who has become a central figure in their success this season.
If Cousins is still near the top of the league in touchdown passes (he is currently tied for the NFL lead with nine), what would a Super Bowl contending team be willing to give up for Cousins if their starting quarterback goes down unexpectedly?
A day two pick, potentially?
x: @raidersbeat