Raiders consider starting No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza as losing streak continues

The Las Vegas Raiders have fallen from a 3-0 start to a four-game losing streak, with a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams pushing the team below .500 for the first time this season. Coach Klint Kubiak said the organization is reviewing all aspects of its performance, from red-zone execution to third-quarter play, and considering changes to personnel and scheme.

"I think we have to go watch the film," Kubiak said when asked if the team should start thinking about the future and potentially turning to Mendoza. "We’re thinking about everything – how to fix our problems, how to fix our issues in the red zone, in the third quarter, personnel, scheme. We’ve got to talk about all of it."

Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, made his debut in Week 5 during garbage time against the Patriots, but Kubiak indicated there was no plan to insert him in the second half of Sunday’s game. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who led the team to the early 3-0 stretch, has seen his completion rate fall from 67.4% to 60% over the recent four games, prompting questions about his future role.

"If I’m not the best option then I don’t want to be out there, either. I want our football team to have the best chance to win games," Cousins said after the loss. "Fernando’s done a great job and has a bright future ahead, and I’ll try to play as well as I possibly can and help us win until he does go out there eventually."

Defensive performance has also declined, with the unit allowing an average of 35.8 points per game and 11 passing touchdowns during the losing stretch, a sharp increase from the first three weeks. The upcoming schedule includes four road games in the next five weeks, after which the Raiders have a Week 13 bye. Continued losses could lead to Mendoza taking over as starter to provide a spark and to develop experience for future seasons.