Raiders aim to keep Kirk Cousins upright vs. Rams
The Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 22, 2026 previewed their Week 7 meeting with the Los Angeles Rams and identified keeping quarterback Kirk Cousins upright as a priority this Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. The team noted the Raiders have dropped three straight games after a 3-0 start but have improved offensively from last season, averaging about 27 points per game and totaling 10 takeaways through six games. Injuries have affected both clubs, the preview said, but the Rams still present a significant challenge. The story framed two specific matchups that could shape the outcome.
The first matchup centers on Cousins and the Raiders’ passing attack. Cousins, in his 15th NFL season, has 14 passing touchdowns, tied for the league lead, and ranks among the top five in passing yards (1,582) and first-down passes (82). Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko praised Cousins’ preparation and leadership, saying the quarterback thrives on accountability and pushes teammates to improve. The preview emphasized that maintaining pocket protection will be critical to sustaining the Raiders’ aerial production.
The Rams counter with veteran Matthew Stafford, who the preview noted was the 2025 NFL MVP and led the league that season in passing yards and touchdowns. Through six games in 2026, Stafford leads the league in passing yards (1,794) and pass completions (164), according to the preview, and defensive coordinator Rob Leonard called Stafford a major challenge because of his experience identifying coverage. The piece cited NFL Next Gen Stats showing both quarterbacks have been pressured on fewer than 35 percent of their dropbacks this season, underscoring the importance of the offensive lines in what could be an aerial contest. Cousins has been sacked eight times this year, a figure the Raiders will look to lower.
The second matchup highlighted Las Vegas center Tyler Linderbaum against Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The preview pointed to Linderbaum’s 93 percent pass-blocking win rate from ESPN Analytics, the fifth-highest among interior linemen, and noted his role in making line calls and keeping the unit aligned. Linderbaum has been flagged four times this season, including three penalties on short-yardage plays involving fullback Connor Heyward, and he allowed six quarterback pressures in his last two games. Across the line will be 10-time Pro Bowler Aaron Donald, an eight-time All-Pro and three-time Defensive Player of the Year who returned from retirement this year; the team noted Donald has played under 60 percent of defensive snaps in four games in 2026 but remains a disruptive presence.
The preview also placed the matchup in context: Las Vegas has shown clear offensive progress versus a 2026 Rams squad that entered the year with Super Bowl expectations but has lost three of its last four games. The Raiders emphasized cleaning up mistakes — particularly in protection and assignment discipline — to turn competitive performances into wins. The team distributed practice photos and preparation notes ahead of the Sunday meeting as it seeks to end its skid. The article was published on Raiders.com on Oct. 22, 2026.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Raiders have framed this Week 7 game around two obvious but critical edges: protecting Kirk Cousins and limiting interior pressure from Aaron Donald. The facts in the team preview show Las Vegas has produced at both ends this season — an offense averaging about 27 points and 10 takeaways — but protection metrics and recent pressures on Linderbaum indicate vulnerability. If Linderbaum can cut down penalties and pressures and the offensive line sustains its low sack total, the Raiders increase their chance to exploit a Rams defense that has used Donald more selectively. Conversely, if Donald and the Rams generate interior disruption, the game could tip in Los Angeles’ favor despite Donald’s reduced snap counts in 2026.