Raiders grades: Klint Kubiak remains unbeaten with a great coaching effort

Raiders grades: Klint Kubiak remains unbeaten with a great coaching effort NEW ORLEANS — The Las Vegas Raiders secured a 35-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday, improving to 3-0. https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/raiders/raiders-now-3-0-after-comeback-road-victory-over-new-orleans-saints-3892020/ **Offense: A-** Brock Bowers looked sharp in his return from a left‑knee procedure less than three weeks ago, hauling in 10 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Kirk Cousins added three touchdown passes, marking his third straight game with multiple scoring throws, and the Raiders found a way to finish drives in the second half. Ashton Jeanty was largely contained, but Mike Washington Jr. broke loose for a 36‑yard touchdown out of the backfield. **Defense: A** Although the unit surrendered a considerable number of yards, it delivered in critical moments. Malcolm Koonce got a hand on the ball just as Saints quarterback Tyler Shough began his throwing motion, and Maxx Crosby recovered the fumble to set up the go‑ahead score. On the next possession, Shough was hit as he released the pass; the ball sailed wide of its intended target and into the waiting arms of Hezekiah Masses, who returned the interception to the 10‑yard line. Three plays later, Bowers caught a touchdown pass to extend the Raiders’ lead. The defense closed the game with a fourth‑down stop just shy of the red zone in a one‑score contest and then forced a fumble on the Saints’ final desperation drive. **Special teams: D** The special‑teams group was not disastrous overall, but a handful of costly mistakes put the defense in difficult positions and nearly swung the outcome. After New Orleans took the lead in the third quarter, Dylan Laube fumbled the kickoff return, allowing the Saints to recover the ball. Two plays later, New Orleans added another touchdown to seize control. The Raiders answered with a touchdown of their own, but Matt Gay’s kickoff went out of bounds, granting the Saints excellent field position. Such errors cannot be tolerated. Still, the unit that entered the game leading the NFL in EPA performed adequately again, highlighted by Thomas Booker’s blocked extra point. **Coaching: A** Klint Kubiak remained undefeated as a head coach, guiding his team to a rally from an 11‑point deficit in the second half. He consistently urges his players to avoid getting too high or too low, and Sunday exemplified exactly what the squad needed. The Raiders responded immediately after New Orleans stretched its lead and took over the game. Kubiak’s offensive scheme continued to impress, fully unlocked by the return of Bowers. He also made the correct calls on two‑point conversion attempts, even though they did not produce points, and earned his first victory in a situational coaching role. The start has been remarkable, and Kubiak deserves considerable credit for the team’s early success.