Klint Kubiak Gives Harsh Reality Check After Kirk Cousins’ Turnovers Cost Las Vegas Raiders Against 49ers

Klint Kubiak addresses the media after the Las Vegas Raiders’ turnover-filled loss to the 49ers.© X/@AtlantaFalcons

Kirk Cousins had helped the Las Vegas Raiders find some stability at quarterback, but Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers exposed a problem that even a veteran presence could not fix. Five turnovers in the second half left the Raiders behind in the game, with their comeback hopes fading as mistakes kept happening. After the 38-17 defeat at Levi's Stadium on November 8, head coach Klint Kubiak did not hide his frustration. His postgame message was direct, and Cousins was part of the problem.

Klint Kubiak calls out mistakes by Kirk Cousins

The Raiders gave away possession five times in the second half, and Kubiak made it clear how badly that hurt their chances.

“If you turn the ball over five times, you're not going to win, ever,” the head coach said after the game.

Cousins accounted for three of those turnovers, throwing three interceptions. Tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer lost the two fumbles, making it difficult for Las Vegas to build any momentum even after finding some success through the air.

Kubiak wanted his offense to show more balance rather than rely on Cousins to throw on almost every down.

“We got to go back and look at every single one of them,” Kubiak said. “But you know, when you're in position to throw the ball every down starting in the second quarter, you're going to throw interceptions. So, we have to find balance on our team.”

Cousins accepted his share of the blame. He admitted that the pressure to erase the deficit pushed him into taking chances instead of waiting for better opportunities.“Sometimes when you get behind, you try to get it all back in one play, and it's hard to be patient,” he said.

Fernando Mendoza enters the quarterback conversation after Raiders loss

The defeat came at a difficult time for Cousins, especially with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza waiting for his opportunity. CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco believes the Raiders should stop delaying the rookie's introduction as their starting quarterback.

“The Raiders aren't going to the postseason. They're not getting to the playoffs. And so, get on with it, and bring Fernando Mendoza in and let him play,” Prisco said on NFL Postgame.

The Raiders had previously shown patience with Mendoza, preferring to let him learn behind Cousins. His short appearance against New England gave a glimpse of his potential, as he completed six of eight passes for 48 yards on the final possession.

Kubiak's concern remained the mistakes that cost his team against San Francisco. The Raiders had fallen to 4-5, and their coach wanted a response from the entire squad.