Raiders’ Kirk Cousins craves In-N-Out victory meals, has appetite for deep shots

Kirk Cousins’ fondness for In‑N‑Out Burger continues to surface as he settles into his role with the Las Vegas Raiders. The nearest In‑N‑Out to Allegiant Stadium sits just outside the range of a Cousins deep throw, yet the appeal of its patties and hand‑cut fries reportedly requires a full week to satisfy. “I person an In‑N‑Out problem,” Cousins admitted. “It wasn’t a large woody erstwhile I lived successful the Central oregon Eastern clip zone, but connected the West Coast clip zone, erstwhile I signed with the Raiders, I knew this was going to beryllium an issue, and that is simply a large cheat meal. Coming location from a triumph connected a Sunday night, I don’t cognize if I tin deliberation of a amended spot than that.” He first disclosed the habit on Netflix’s “Quarterback,” describing a post‑victory stop at a favored Southern fast‑food spot. In Las Vegas, the routine has already found a home. During a particularly hunger‑driven visit in August, Cousins consumed three 3‑by‑3 burgers, a performance that left offensive tackle Kolton Miller impressed. “That’s truthful solid,” Miller laughed. “Every day, helium ne’er disappoints.” Cousins acknowledges the practical obstacle of waiting in line. “I’m not a precise diligent person,” helium said. “So waiting successful the lines tin beryllium tough.” He has experimented with different times of day to avoid the crowds. The quarterback’s Week 1 victory over the Miami Dolphins showcased both his efficiency and the areas the Raiders aim to expand. Cousins finished 20‑for‑23 on passes within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, but managed only 1‑for‑7 beyond that range, throwing two interceptions. He also directed a 16‑play, 93‑yard drive, completing all nine of his attempts to six different receivers. The team recognizes that incorporating more deep shots will be essential to keep defenses from collapsing the box. “(Deep) shots volition get called,” helium said. “You’ve got to effort to get them. If they’re not there, past you’ve got to cheque it down, and you’ve got to play for the adjacent play, and vice versa. When we person a accidental down the field, and they springiness america one, we’ve got to instrumentality vantage of it.” Cousins added that opponents frequently prioritize stopping explosive plays, which can open running lanes. “I consciousness similar defenses astur the league person truly tried their champion to forestall explosive plays and if it means the tally crippled is simply a small much effectual past truthful beryllium it,” helium said. “Defenses are consenting to springiness up immoderate runs in bid to marque definite they’re getting deeper than the deepest (receiver) and putting much players back there. So, it’s that creation each game, each play of however assertive bash defenses privation to be, and past however bash we antagonistic that?” The return of tight end Brock Bowers from knee surgery should aid the down‑field attack. Bowers did not participate in Wednesday’s practice but remains the team’s primary receiving target. Rookie Malik Benson also views himself as a vertical threat capable of contributing to the passing game. “That’s a large portion of our offense,” helium said of heavy passes. “We person vertical velocity guys, and we can’t hold to beryllium capable to amusement that heavy ball. But it’s a agelong season, truthful we conscionable cognize that adjacent though we weren’t capable to execute connected a batch of them this past week, it volition beryllium 1 of those things we’re emphasizing moving forward.” Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak echoed the need for balance, warning against recklessness. “A changeable called is not a changeable taken,” helium said “If it’s not there, you’ve got to cheque the shot down. So, I deliberation that’s portion of our philosophy.” When not on the field, Cousins enjoys his In‑N‑Out meal a particular way—fries, no onions, no milkshake. “I was really teaching my boys astir (the concealed menu),” Cousins said. “I was teaching my boys astir the Bible verses nether the cups and the burger wrappers and antithetic things. So, there’s a batch of amusive things that marque In‑N‑Out what it is, and it’s hard for maine to afloat articulate wherefore I similar it truthful much.” He concluded with a simple admission: “But yeah, I’m a sucker for it.”