Who had Kirk Cousins throwing for nine touchdowns in his first three games as the Las Vegas Raiders‘ starting quarterback? Raise your hand. Now take that hand and sharply slap yourself, you liar.
In true “You like that?!” fashion, the 38-year-old Cousins is dropping dimes. His nine touchdown passes are tied with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy for the NFL lead through the first three games of the 2026 season. On the surface, it is a surprising development as the league heads into Week 4.
The surprise stems largely from how the 15-year veteran was viewed. He was seen as nothing more than a placeholder. Someone familiar with Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak’s offensive philosophy and scheme who would keep the seat warm for Fernando Mendoza. Las Vegas selected Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
Kirko has aged like wine…
Instead, Cousins became the first player in NFL history to throw at least three touchdown passes in each of his first three games with a new team. He also joined Tom Brady, a former quarterback and current Raiders minority owner, as the only players 38 or older to throw nine touchdown passes through their team’s first three games. Brady accomplished the feat in 2015 and 2021. Cousins was only 27 and 33 years old, respectively, in those seasons.
Beyond the touchdowns, Cousins has 661 yards, 15th among league quarterbacks, and is completing 67.4% of his passes, 16th. He has been sacked five times, including three times in the Raiders’ 35-27 comeback win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. That is a testament to the coaching of veteran offensive line coach Rick Dennison.
Overall, Las Vegas’ 3-0 start has exceeded many expectations, and Cousins’ performance is a big reason why. The 2012 fourth-round pick out of Michigan State oozes machismo, in the Razor Ramon/Scott Hall style of the old WWF days, and that is an exceptional thing for both Kubiak’s Raiders and Mendoza. The conversation has shifted from “when will Cousins sit to make way for the No. 1 pick” to “Mendoza may not take a snap this year.”
Now, I’m not obtuse…
At his age, and given the speed and violence of the game, I’m well aware that injury is always a possibility. It is not out of the realm of possibility that Cousins gets hurt. If that happens, it could pave the way for Mendoza to take snaps under center.
For now, though, Kubiak’s playcalling and scheme have insulated Cousins well. His ability to move quickly through his progressions lets him get rid of the ball on time, and when he has had to hold it, he has gotten the protection to finish his reads.
But the NFL doesn’t reward anyone for sitting on their laurels. Opposing defenses now have three game tapes on Cousins and Kubiak’s offense, and tougher outings are coming. We saw glimpses of that Sunday against Brandon Staley’s Saints defense, when the pass rush and coverage on the back end forced Cousins to hold the ball and the hits arrived.
How does all of this affect the AFC West?
That sets up a key AFC West showdown in Week 4 against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. And that brings another surprise: It is a battle of unbeaten teams. Las Vegas will face a defense led by Steve Spagnuolo. He is renowned for his aggressive, complex and devious pressure packages.
Related: Klint Kubiak’s Raiders have found their identity in the fourth quarter
Against that test, it is imperative that Kubiak build a balanced attack. A productive ground game must work in sync with an efficient passing game. Starting running back Ashton Jeanty has not looked right in the last two games. However, rookie tailback Mike Washington Jr. has helped buoy the run game with his size and speed.
The return of tight end Brock Bowers to the starting lineup is also paying dividends. As Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby noted, Bowers is always open. His 10-catch, 116-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Saints in his season debut proved it.
Though he is listed as a tight end, Bowers has been used by Kubiak as a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver. The 23-year-old is 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds and was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Kubiak, the head coach and play caller, lines Bowers up in spots normally reserved for traditional wide receivers. So much so that our own Mario Tovar explored the money Las Vegas gave wideout Jalen Nailor in free agency this past offseason, a three-year, $35 million deal, and why Bowers is a tight end in name only.
All of which makes the chess match between Kubiak’s offense and Spagnuolo’s defense a highlight of the Raiders-Chiefs meeting. And in the middle of it all will be Captain Kirk.
Such an interesting time, eh, Raider Nation?
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images