Seahawks Prepare to Face Former Coordinator Klint Kubiak and Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza
The Seattle Seahawks travel to Las Vegas to face former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and the Raiders, who are starting rookie Fernando Mendoza at quarterback.
🧠AI AnalysisPhoto: The Athletic
Key points
- Seahawks face former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in Las Vegas
- No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza to make first career start for the Raiders
- Seattle adjusting to offensive regression under first-year coordinator Brian Fleury
The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for a unique matchup in Las Vegas on Sunday, where they will square off against former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for the first time. Kubiak spent last season orchestrating a high-powered Seattle offense that helped Jaxon Smith-Njigba win Offensive Player of the Year and guided quarterback Sam Darnold to a Pro Bowl appearance, before taking the Raiders' head coaching job following the Seahawks' Super Bowl championship.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald noted that facing a familiar face feels similar to opening a divisional rivalry, though preparation has required adjusting to a major shift under center for Las Vegas. Following a trade that sent Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the deadline, the Raiders will turn to No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza to make his first career start. Despite the change in personnel, Macdonald emphasized that Seattle's defensive preparation remains focused on execution rather than the rookie's lack of starting tape.
While Kubiak has installed a schematic system in Las Vegas that shares similarities with Seattle's approach—notably heavy utilization of tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer—the Seahawks are dealing with their own offensive transition. Under first-year coordinator Brian Fleury, Seattle's attack has regressed, compounded by injuries and inconsistent play from Darnold.
- Matchup: Seattle Seahawks at Las Vegas Raiders
- Key Figure: Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza making his first career start
- Familiar Foe: Former Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak
What to watch next: Kickoff in Las Vegas as the Seahawks test their defense against Kubiak's system and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Source The Athletic — nytimes.com/athletic/7777690/2026/11/13/seahawks-klint-kubiak-raide… ↗
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