Klint Kubiak remains silent on the Raiders' quarterback battle despite there being a clear favorite

Klint Kubiak doesn't appear to be in any rush to officially settle the Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback competition, even though everything that has happened throughout training camp and the preseason points toward Kirk Cousins.

The Raiders finished their preseason with an 18-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but the result wasn't the biggest question coming out of the game. Attention immediately turned to who will take the first snap at quarterback when the regular season begins.

Kubiak was asked whether Cousins had done enough to earn the starting job. His answer was essentially the same as it has been throughout the competition, stating no decision will be announced yet.

"I still don't think we need to name anybody," Kubiak said. “We have a lot to talk about at a lot of positions, so we want to watch the film and talk about everything as a staff."

That may be frustrating for fans, but Kubiak's actions have painted a much clearer picture.

Cousins has consistently worked with the starting offense throughout training camp, while rookie Fernando Mendoza has received relatively few opportunities with the first team. That distinction has remained important as the preseason has progressed.

The veteran also received the most meaningful playing time in the preseason finale against San Francisco. Kubiak opened the game with his starting offense, and Cousins led the first two drives before giving way to Mendoza and the second-team players.

The decision to use Cousins with the starters has significance. Coaches don't typically give those snaps to a player they aren't seriously considering for the opening-day lineup. The performances themselves have only strengthened the case for Cousins .

Cousins played three preseason drives and helped the Raiders produce 13 points. He completed 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, while avoiding both interceptions and sacks.

The evidence keeps pointing toward Cousins

Mendoza , meanwhile, has struggled to make a convincing case for taking over immediately. He finished the preseason completing 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

His final preseason appearance was particularly difficult. Mendoza threw an interception on his second play, was sacked twice and finished with only 57 passing yards on 7-of-14 passing.

Kubiak still seems determined not to close the door on his young quarterback. After the loss, the coach said he wished Mendoza had three more preseason games to continue developing. Mendoza agreed that the additional playing time would've helped.

That comment might actually provide a better indication of where the Raiders stand.

Mendoza appears to be viewed as a quarterback with considerable potential who needs time, while Cousins is the experienced option capable of running the offense immediately.

Kubiak's reluctance to name Cousins shouldn't necessarily be interpreted as uncertainty, as the first-year head coach may simply prefer keeping his plans private until the Raiders are ready to make their final roster decisions.

Unless something changes dramatically, though, the quarterback competition appears to have a clear favorite. Cousins has received the first-team repetitions, performed efficiently and handled the most important preseason snaps.

Kubiak may not be ready to say it publicly, but the Raiders' actions suggest Cousins is heading toward the starting job.