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The Las Vegas Raiders had a nearly complete ball game on both sides of the ball, and there’s only one guy who really came out of this game as a “loser.”
Sep 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) reacts after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
David Brytus
The Las Vegas Raiders are kicking off the 2026 season with a bang. The Klint Kubiak era is getting off to a good start. Now, remember this team started 1-0 last year. So, take everything with a grain of salt. Regardless, they looked good.
So, we are still going to do what we always do here: The winners and losers of this game. There are a few winners, easily, but there’s only one real “loser” that stands out in this game. For the most part, everyone played pretty well. So, let’s get into it what those are after the win over the Miami Dolphins.
Winners and losers from the Raiders’ win over the Dolphins
Loser: Fernando Mendoza, QB
This is the only guy I have as a “loser” from this game. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the rookie QB. Mendoza should have gotten some love in this game. Kirk Cousins was fine. I’d grade his day as a C. He had some really nice plays and did some of what he was supposed to. However, he also missed some throws and threw some interceptions.
Most importantly, he ran the offense how it was meant to be run. But with three minutes left in the game, up 27-13, Mendoza should have come in the game. The Raiders go three-and-out and punt. Then, with 1:51 left after a Jeremy Chinn forced fumble, they get the ball back. Mendoza is still not in the game. Now, granted, Vegas decides to go in victory formation. Still, the fan base would have loved to see him in for a few snaps. Not to mention, Cousins ran the offense effectively and won the game handily, which means Mendoza is the backup at least one more week.
Winner: Treydan Stukes, DB
The rookie second-round pick was amazing. He gave up a big pass play early in the game, but it was more the defense they were in in that two-high shell; he couldn’t get over quick enough after Eric Stokes passed the receiver off. Not entirely his fault. After that, everything was blanketed in coverage. He also had an interception—huge day for the rookie.
Winner: AJ Cole, P
Yes, a punter made the list. This isn’t just any punter, though. This is the best punter in the league. There isn’t much to say about Cole other than he consistently pinned the Dolphins in the exact spot you want them to be pinned in. Then that allowed the defense to go rampant.
Winner: Ashton Jeanty, RB
His ankle is fine, if you couldn’t tell. Jeanty was unleashed and had an Offensive Player of the Year-type game. He had over 150 scrimmage yards and two receiving TDs. His three 100-yard scrimmage games are the third most in Raiders history among RBs in their first 18 career games – only behind Josh Jacobs (5) and Marcus Allen, per the Raiders PR team. He was amazing, and his route running was great. His first TD came on a Texas route, and his second one was just a little swing route. He also made something out of nothing in the run game a ton of times.
Winner: Defensive line
I’m still not 100% sold on the defensive line overall. I think they will certainly struggle in 2026. However, Week 1 against the Dolphins shut me up. They were swarming everywhere. Whether it was Maxx Crosby with 1.5 sacks or Kwity Paye with 1.5 sacks. The defensive line had four of the five sacks in total, and four of the seven tackles for loss came from the defensive line. They were monstrous.
Winner: Jack Bech, WR
Bech walked away from Week 1 with his first career touchdown, and it was a beauty from Kirk Cousins that saw him barrel his way into the end zone. He was also pretty good in the run game. Bech deserves some love after this game, especially considering the hate he’s gotten.
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