Raiders’ 3-1 start shows a team ahead of schedule

The Raiders have already matched last season’s win total, and even their first loss has offered reasons to be optimistic.

Las Vegas pushed Kansas City to the final moments before falling 30-27, a performance that The Athletic’s Sam Warren said showed how much the team has changed since a 3-14 season.

“There’s never any moral victories in the NFL,” Warren told Sactown Sports’ Matt & Kayla. “But if there’s anything close to one, it’s definitely what the Raiders did on Sunday.”

Warren pointed to the team’s resilience after costly mistakes, including a kickoff-return fumble that gave Kansas City a short field. The Raiders recovered, scored, and got a stop, keeping the game close enough for a late chance to take the lead.

That persistence, Warren said, reflects the culture coach Klint Kubiak has brought to Las Vegas.

HENDERSON, NEVADA – APRIL 08: Quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks during a news conference as he is introduced at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on April 08, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

The biggest surprise for Warren has been Kirk Cousins.

The quarterback has thrown for 1,026 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions through four games, according to the stats provided. Cousins has also helped keep the offense moving amid the Raiders’ struggles on the ground.

“He has been this Raiders offense, him and Brock Bowers,” Warren said.

Cousins’ play has another benefit: a close-up example for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Warren said the Raiders have not publicly set a timetable for Mendoza’s debut and don’t appear eager to rush him.

Watching Cousins operate Kubiak’s offense and handle tight-game situations gives Mendoza lessons before he takes the field.

“He has really embraced the mentorship role for Fernando,” Warren said.

HENDERSON, NEVADA – MAY 28: Quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza #15 and Kirk Cousins #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders practice during an OTA offseason workout at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on May 28, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The run game remains a concern.

Warren said rookie Ashton Jeanty may still be working back from a preseason ankle injury, while the offensive line has not consistently created the push it showed in Week 1. He added that Kubiak has taken responsibility and could use more motion and formations to loosen up defenses.

Warren was more encouraged by the defense, citing linebacker Nakobe Dean’s play, Maxx Crosby’s pressure and rookie cornerback Hezekiah Massas’ early contributions. He also noted that the group has looked cohesive despite having many new pieces.

At the trade deadline, Warren expects the Raiders to balance making the most of a promising season with protecting the rebuild. General manager John Spytek is willing to make moves, he said, but Las Vegas will look for the right fit instead of chasing a big name.

“They could definitely make moves,” Warren said, “but I don’t think they’re gonna jeopardize their future.”

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Upcoming Las Vegas Raiders 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 11th – @ New England Patriots – 10:00 am PT
• Sunday, October 18th – vs. Buffalo Bills – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 25th – vs. Los Angeles Rams – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, November 1st – @ New York Jets – 10:00 am PT
• Sunday, November 8th – @ San Francisco 49ers – 1:05 pm PT

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