What we learned: Raiders’ blowout loss leads to QB change, Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders fell 38-17 on the road to the San Francisco 49ers, a defeat that prompted general manager John Spytek to trade starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 third‑round draft pick.

Backup quarterback Fernando Mendoza now takes the helm, inheriting an offense that has struggled without a credible run game. While Mendoza is not as large as Cousins, his greater agility may allow coach Klint Kubiak to incorporate more boot‑leg actions, and the unit’s pass protection remains a relative strength despite ongoing run‑blocking issues.

The loss underscored defensive problems, with the front seven repeatedly run over and a lack of pass rush allowing many receivers to get open. Both tight ends fumbled, and Cousins threw three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The roster continues to be thin at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker and secondary, and even positions with solid starters lack depth.

Safety Stukes has been stepping up, displaying instinct and confidence that coach Kubiak praised, saying, “Playmaker, instinctive,” Kubiak said of Stukes. “Just been really a shot of adrenaline to our operation.” His ability to get to the ball helped force a key interception.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal