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The Las Vegas Raiders Are Thriving After ‘Major Upgrades’: A Deeper Look at the 2026 Season

By jili tutorial · September 25, 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders Are Thriving After ‘Major Upgrades’: A Deeper Look at the 2026 Season

Introduction: A Promising Start, But Realities Loom

The 2026 Las Vegas Raiders have opened the season with two consecutive wins, sparking optimism in a franchise long known for inconsistency. However, NFL insider Jason La Canfora cautions that the team’s true trajectory will likely settle somewhere between the highs of Weeks 1–2 and the inevitable challenges ahead. Under rookie head coach Klint Kubiak, the Raiders have shown signs of cultural transformation—a shift that has been years in the making. While they may not sustain their early momentum, the underlying improvements suggest a fundamentally different operation than the one that languished at the bottom of the AFC West in recent years.

This guide breaks down the key factors behind the Raiders’ resurgence, the roster upgrades that have made it possible, and the obstacles that lie ahead.

The Culture Shift: More Than Just a Cliché

A New Vibe Under Klint Kubiak

In the NFL, the phrase “culture change” is often overused, but in Las Vegas, it appears to be genuine. The Raiders have long been a team that finds ways to lose close games. Early in 2026, they are finding ways to win them. According to sources close to the organization, the difference starts with Kubiak’s disciplined, detail-oriented approach—a stark contrast to the previous regime.

The Tom Brady Factor

Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady’s role as a part-owner has added an intangible layer of credibility and winning DNA. While it’s impossible to measure precisely how much influence Brady exerts, his presence in the building has been cited by players and executives as a source of motivation. A rival general manager described it as “a steadying force that resonates beyond the locker room.”

Key Personnel Upgrades That Changed the Offense

Kirk Cousins: The Perfect Quarterback Fit

After signing with the Raiders in free agency, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has instantly stabilized the offense. His familiarity with Kubiak’s system—rooted in the Shanahan-style offense that both he and Kubiak learned under Gary Kubiak—has allowed the playbook to expand rapidly.

Example of impact: Through the first two games, Cousins leads the NFL in play-action passing efficiency, completing 12 of 16 attempts for 150 yards and three touchdowns, posting a 143.2 passer rating. This is a direct result of the scheme’s emphasis on under-center formations, play-action fakes, and heavy tight-end usage.

Tyler Linderbaum: The Anchor at Center

The Raiders made a record-breaking free-agent signing at center: Tyler Linderbaum, widely regarded as the best interior offensive lineman available. The effect has been immediate. Las Vegas currently ranks in the top 10 in pressure rate allowed—a dramatic leap from last year’s bottom-five finish.

“The center makes all the difference in the world,” one general manager told La Canfora. Former MVP quarterback and Raiders broadcaster Rich Gannon echoed that sentiment, calling Linderbaum a “major upgrade.”

Brock Bowers: A Size-Speed Freak on Deck

Despite missing the first two weeks due to injury, tight end Brock Bowers is expected to return in Week 3. His combination of size and speed creates matchup nightmares for defenses. When Bowers is on the field, the Raiders can force opposing coordinators to allocate extra resources to tight-end coverage, freeing up wide receivers and opening running lanes.

Ashton Jeanty and the Running Game

Young running back Ashton Jeanty has dealt with ongoing health concerns, but Kubiak’s scheme is designed to succeed regardless of who carries the ball. The offensive line, now built for zone runs and gap schemes, has already shown it can generate consistent push. Even if Jeanty misses time, the Raiders expect to be far more efficient on the ground than they were a year ago.

The Defense: Maxx Crosby Leads a Resurgent Pass Rush

The Maxx Crosby Effect

Edge defender Maxx Crosby—after a failed trade to Baltimore—has played with renewed intensity. Multiple league executives had predicted this would happen, and Crosby has delivered. His ability to create pressure off the edge has been the catalyst for a defense that now generates momentum-swinging plays.

Key stat: Crosby has recorded multiple sacks in the first two games and has forced a key fumble that swung field position. The defense’s improved pass-rush consistency has taken pressure off the secondary and allowed the Raiders to control the clock.

Statistical Highlights and Areas for Improvement

Third-Down Conversion Woes

Despite the 2–0 start, the Raiders are converting only 33% of their third-down attempts—a figure that must improve if they want to sustain drives against stronger opponents. Cousins has shown a tendency to take sacks and commit turnovers in key situations. Reducing those mistakes is a top priority for Kubiak.

Turnover Differential

While the defense has created big plays, Cousins has been responsible for multiple turnovers. In a league where turnover margin is often the deciding factor, the Raiders cannot afford to give away possessions cheaply. The next stretch of games will test their ability to protect the ball.

The Upcoming Schedule: From Promising to Punishing

Weeks 3–8: A Gauntlet of Contenders

After beating the tanking Miami Dolphins and a sputtering Los Angeles Chargers squad, the Raiders now face a brutal slate:

This stretch will reveal whether the Raiders’ early success is sustainable or a mirage. If they can split these games, they will remain in playoff contention. If not, the schedule could derail their momentum.

Fernando Mendoza: The Future at Quarterback?

Why the First-Overall Pick Remains on the Sideline

The Raiders drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, but the decision to start Cousins has delayed Mendoza’s debut. As long as the team remains competitive, there is no urgency to rush the rookie. Cousins has embraced the role of mentor, with his agent Mike McCartney noting, “He loves playing for Klint. He really enjoys working with Mendoza, too, and kind of putting his arm around him. Kirk’s in his element being a leader.”

This mentorship dynamic is rare in the NFL, where veteran quarterbacks often view rookies as threats. Cousins’ willingness to guide Mendoza reflects the new culture Kubiak has instilled.

Conclusion: A Franchise on the Rise, But Not Yet There

The 2026 Las Vegas Raiders are not a finished product. They will likely drop some games they shouldn’t, and the schedule will expose weaknesses. Yet the improvements are undeniable. The offense is functional and professional where it was chaotic and inept. The defense creates pressure. The culture is shifting from losing to competing.

Whether they finish 9–8 or 11–6, the Raiders have given fans something they haven’t had in years: a reason to believe. As one longtime NFL executive put it, “The way they beat the Chargers wasn’t some fluke. They outplayed them and they outcoached them.” That alone is a victory for a franchise that has spent too long searching for an identity.