NFLYesterday
Raiders Hold Steady at 3-2 Despite Week 5 Setback
The Raiders have posted 25-plus points in four of five contests behind Kirk Cousins, who has thrown for 1,269 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 65.1 percent of his passes with a 100.7 rating.
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Cousins Delivers Consistency at Quarterback
The Raiders have posted 25-plus points in four of five contests behind Kirk Cousins, who has thrown for 1,269 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 65.1 percent of his passes with a 100.7 rating. His touchdown total ranks second-highest through five weeks of any season in his career. In the 45-17 loss to the Patriots, Cousins finished 19 of 28 for 243 yards and one score, though the team remains committed to him as the starter over rookie Fernando Mendoza.
Secondary and Run Game Show Growing Pains
The defense ranks second in the league with 10 takeaways, yet the young secondary has shown inconsistency in recent weeks. Las Vegas ranks 28th in rushing yards per game at 82, hampered by injuries to key backs and blocking issues up front. Rookie Mike Washington Jr. has averaged five yards per carry on 25 attempts, but limited involvement has kept the ground attack one-dimensional.
Pass Rush and Line Need Upgrades
The three-year, $48 million addition at edge has produced just three pressures and no sacks across 154 snaps in the past four games, while Malcolm Koonce has recorded 12 pressures and three sacks in 110 snaps. At left guard, Spencer Burford has allowed two sacks and 23 pressures in 189 pass-blocking snaps, the highest total among left guards leaguewide, prompting consideration of younger options if the trend continues.
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