The Las Vegas Raiders are 3-0 and tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for first in the AFC West. Off to a hot start, veteran quarterback Kurt Cousins has already thrown nine touchdowns, claiming his spot as the team’s starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Stephen A. Smith, however, is not sold.
On a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith did not hold back when addressing the Raiders’ good fortune to start the season.
“Here’s the reality, nobody expected a damn thing from the Raiders.”@stephenasmith still isn’t sold on the Raiders despite their 3-0 start 😳 pic.twitter.com/oubpjtnKWv
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 30, 2026
“Are we really sitting here on national television talking about a Kurt Cousins-led team being good, and we should be so flattered with what we’re seeing?” Smith said. “Are you really kidding me? With Kurt Cousins, you just wait for it. You just wait for it. Nine touchdowns in the first three games, three touchdowns in each game. We really think that’s going to last?”
“Are you really going to look at the Las Vegas Raiders and say, because of what you see, they’re good? You know what, call me at the end of October; who do they have in October? Don’t they have the Bills? Don’t they have the Chiefs? Don’t they have the Rams in October? Why don’t you call me before Thanksgiving and let’s have that discussion.”
Smith expressed his lack of faith in the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and even hinted doubt in number one draft pick Fernando Mendoza.
“Here’s the reality: nobody expected a damn thing from the Raiders,” Smith added.
Smith addressed what he believed was the real reason the Raiders are having so much success: new head coach Clint Kubiak.
“Let’s give credit where credit is due to Clint Kubiak because clearly the man can coach,” Smith added. “Gotta be doing something right. The man hasnt lost his last 13 games; they won the last 10 games in Seattle, including the Super Bowl championship with him as offensive coordinator, and now he’s the head coach, and they’ve won three straight. The man is on a 13-game winning streak, so if you want to sit up here and rave, let’s rave about him.”
The Raiders look to face off in a divisional battle as they play the Chiefs this Sunday; the winner claims the top spot in the AFC West.
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