Kirk Cousins Eyes Comeback Player of the Year

After a surprising start to the season, Raiders’ quarterback Kirk Cousins has amassed 413 yards and six touchdowns in two games, positioning him as a top contender for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. Veteran Russell Wilson praised Cousins’ resilience, and the Raiders’ management plans to…

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:08:20 GMT

The Las Vegas Raiders have defied expectations early in the 2026 NFL season, largely thanks to the impressive performance of their new quarterback, Kirk Cousins. In just the first two games, Cousins has thrown for 413 total yards, completed 67.8% of his passes, and connected on six touchdown throws—an output that places him among an elite group of quarterbacks who have started a season with three passing touchdowns in each of their opening games.

Early Season Surge

Cousins, who joined the Raiders in a high-profile trade last off‑season, wasted no time proving he was worth the investment. Against the Dallas Cowboys, he finished with 290 yards and three touchdowns, while his second outing against the Los Angeles Chargers added another 123 yards and three more scores. Those numbers not only showcase his arm talent but also his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure.

Such a start is rare. Historically, only Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have achieved the same feat in their first two games of a season. Cousins’ achievement signals a potential turning point for a franchise that has struggled to find consistent offensive production in recent years.

Veteran Praise and Award Speculation

Russell Wilson, former Raiders starter and current Washington Commanders quarterback, weighed in on Cousins’ early success during a CBS interview. “I think Kirk Cousins has done a great job of managing all the noise around him,” Wilson said. “Listen, the system matters and who you’re with. To me, Kirk Cousins has responded well. He never gave up on the moment. I think those are the things that go a long way.”

Wilson went on to predict that Cousins could win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award if he maintains his current trajectory. “I think Kirk Cousins wins Comeback Player of the Year,” Wilson added, underscoring the quarterback’s resilience after a challenging 2025 season with the Minnesota Vikings.

Organizational Strategy and Future Outlook

The Raiders’ front office has been clear about their commitment to Cousins. Head coach Josh McDaniels stated that the team intends to keep Cousins in the starting role for as long as his performance remains strong, particularly to avoid rushing the development of rookie wide receiver Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza, the Raiders’ first overall pick in the 2026 draft, is expected to be a key offensive weapon, but the coaching staff believes Cousins’ experience will help maximize his impact.

With the Raiders’ offensive line improving and a revamped playbook that emphasizes quick throws and short completions, Cousins is poised to continue his high level of play. If he can sustain his early momentum, the Raiders could see a dramatic turnaround in their record and a deep playoff run.

What’s Next for Cousins and the Raiders?

Looking ahead, the Raiders face a series of challenging matchups, including a road trip to the New England Patriots and a home game against the San Francisco 49ers. Each game will test Cousins’ ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and maintain his accuracy.

Should Cousins continue to perform at this level, he will not only solidify his position as the Raiders’ franchise quarterback but also position himself as a legitimate contender for the league’s most prestigious individual award for players who overcome adversity.

Key facts

• Kirk Cousins has 413 yards and six TDs in two games
• He joins Brady and Manning in a rare early‑season feat
• Russell Wilson predicts Cousins could win Comeback Player of the Year
• Raiders plan to keep him as starter to support rookie Mendoza
• Upcoming games vs. Patriots and 49ers will test his consistency

Why it matters

Cousins’ early success could signal a franchise turnaround for the Raiders and highlight the impact of veteran leadership on a rebuilding team.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Comeback Player of the Year award?

It is an annual NFL award given to a player who has shown significant improvement or overcome adversity during the season.

How many games has Cousins played this season?

He has played in two games so far.

Who is Fernando Mendoza?

He is the Raiders’ first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a rookie wide receiver.

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Raiders QB Kirk Cousins predicted to win Comeback Player of Year”