The Las Vegas Raiders have hit a rough patch after a promising start, suffering a four-game losing streak following their initial 3-0 record. The latest setback came on Sunday, with a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, dropping the team below the .500 mark for the first time in 2026.

With the Raiders now struggling, speculation arises about the team's future strategies, particularly concerning their No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. Coach Klint Kubiak acknowledged the need to evaluate everything, including the possibility of transitioning to Mendoza if losses continue.

• Kirk Cousins has not been the sole issue, but his performance has declined:
  • Completion Rate: Dropped from 67.4% in the first three weeks to 60% during the losing streak.
  • Record: From 3-0 to 0-4.

Cousins stated, "If I'm not the best option then I don't want to be out there," emphasizing his commitment to the team's success and recognizing Mendoza's potential.

The Raiders' defense has also regressed significantly, allowing an average of 35.8 points per game during the losing streak, which includes matchups against top quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Their defensive struggles:

• Points Allowed: Increased from 18.0 to 35.8 per game.
• Passing Touchdowns Allowed: Jumped from 5 to 11.

Given these circumstances, Kubiak faces tough choices regarding the quarterback position as the team heads into a challenging schedule, with four of their next five games on the road. If the losing trend continues, Mendoza may soon take the reins, aiming to reinvigorate the 2026 Raiders and set the stage for 2027.