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A cubist interpretation of the Raiders’ new team-first offensive identity under Klint Kubiak.Las Vegas Today
In his introductory press conference, new Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins revealed the offensive identity that head coach Klint Kubiak has instilled in the team. Cousins said Kubiak wants the Raiders to play with a ‘team-first, team-focused’ mentality and ‘shocking effort’, using the phrase ‘ride for the brand’ to describe the mindset he is cultivating.
Why it matters
The Raiders have lacked a clear offensive identity in recent seasons, but with Kubiak’s reputation as an offensive mastermind, there are high expectations for the unit to improve dramatically. Cousins’ comments provide insight into the culture and style of play Kubiak is trying to establish in Las Vegas.
The details
Cousins said Kubiak emphasized the importance of the team playing together with maximum effort during a recent team meeting. The new Raiders QB said Kubiak wants the offense to be ‘team-first, team-focused’ and ‘play with shocking effort’ in order to help the organization ‘move forward in the right direction’. Cousins has prior experience working with Kubiak, having played under him in Minnesota, so he has a strong understanding of Kubiak’s coaching philosophy.
Cousins revealed Kubiak’s offensive identity at his introductory press conference on April 13, 2026.
The players
Kirk Cousins
The new starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously played under Klint Kubiak in Minnesota.
Klint Kubiak
The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, known as an offensive mastermind who is instilling a team-first, high-effort culture in the organization.
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What they’re saying
“It starts with your effort, the way you attack, and then it’s very team-first, team-focused, making sure we put the team first, we play together as a team.”
— Kirk Cousins, Raiders Quarterback
“A phrase he used in the team meeting yesterday was to ‘ride for the brand’, meaning that you’re kind of doing whatever it takes to help our organization move forward in the right direction.”
— Kirk Cousins, Raiders Quarterback
What’s next
The Raiders will look to put Kubiak’s team-first, high-effort philosophy into practice during the upcoming 2026 NFL season as they aim to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
The takeaway
After years of inconsistent offensive production, the Raiders are hoping Klint Kubiak’s emphasis on a cohesive, hard-working team culture will help them recapture their past success and become a force in the AFC West once again.