Kirk Cousins’ Raiders message has a catch Vikings fans know too well

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins preached accountability following a 45-17 Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots, noting that the team must show improvement on Sundays. During the defeat, head coach Klint Kubiak pulled Cousins with 6:06 remaining to give rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza his first NFL action. Despite the blowout loss, the 3-2 Raiders plan to continue starting Cousins as they prepare to face Buffalo.

The Viking Age argues that Minnesota Vikings fans are familiar with Cousins posting solid statistical passing lines that fail to overcome underlying team issues and blitz pressure. Against New England, Cousins completed 19 of 28 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown, but acknowledged he struggled against heavy blitzes. Kubiak previously coached Cousins in Minnesota, where strong passing numbers also occasionally masked wider team struggles.