Tom Brady praised Kirk Cousins’ six touchdowns in two games as the Raiders opened 2026 at 2-0 with wins over Miami and the Chargers. He said first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza can benefit from watching the veteran, who is Las Vegas’ starter.
The Raiders drafted Mendoza first overall, with co-owner Brady playing an influential role in the choice. Head coach Klint Kubiak nevertheless named Cousins the starter. Cousins has thrown three interceptions.
Brady cited his own experience watching Drew Bledsoe, Aaron Rodgers watching Brett Favre and Patrick Mahomes watching Alex Smith for a year as examples of young quarterbacks learning from veterans. The Raiders next face the New Orleans Saints, then the Kansas City Chiefs in Week Four.
