The Miami Dolphins are set to kick off their 2026 NFL season with a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders. As the teams prepare for this matchup, one major question has been answered: who will be under center for the Raiders in Week 1?
After much speculation regarding the starting quarterback position, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that veteran Kirk Cousins will take the reins for the season opener. This decision comes after a solid offseason and training camp for Cousins, who has proven himself as a reliable leader on the field.
“Kirk’s had a very good offseason, a really good camp and he’s earned it,” Kubiak stated during a press conference, confirming Cousins' role as the starting quarterback. This announcement means that rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will begin his NFL career as the backup.
Mendoza, who recently led the Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy, was expected to be a significant part of the Raiders' future. However, the decision to start Cousins reflects a cautious approach by the Raiders, who are keen on developing Mendoza without throwing him into the deep end too soon.
This strategy stands in contrast to how the Tennessee Titans handled their top pick, Cam Ward, last season. Ward was thrust into the starting role immediately and maintained it throughout his rookie year. The Raiders, however, seem intent on ensuring that Mendoza is fully prepared before taking on the responsibilities of a starting quarterback.
Kirk Cousins, who has spent the last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, brings a wealth of experience to the Raiders. During his time in Atlanta, he posted a 12-10 record as a starter, completing 65.0% of his passes with 28 touchdowns against 21 interceptions. His ability to mentor Mendoza while also providing stability at the quarterback position is a crucial aspect of the Raiders' plans moving forward.
The decision to start Cousins also highlights the Raiders' desire to protect their investment in Mendoza. With a star tight end in Brock Bowers and a promising running back in Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders have offensive weapons at their disposal. However, concerns remain about the strength of their wide receivers and the overall effectiveness of their offensive line, which has struggled in recent seasons.
As the Dolphins prepare for their season opener in Las Vegas, they will face a familiar challenge in Cousins. Unlike Mendoza, who would have presented a wildcard element, Cousins is a seasoned quarterback with a well-documented playing style. This predictability may simplify the Dolphins' defensive game plan, allowing them to focus on exploiting Cousins' limitations, particularly his mobility.
With the decision made, the Dolphins will be gearing up to face Cousins, rather than the Miami-native Mendoza, in what promises to be an intriguing start to the NFL season. As both teams look to establish their identities early on, the matchup will be a significant test for the Dolphins' defense against a veteran quarterback.
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