The new Raiders make Tom Brady happy: Kirk Cousins, Ashton Jeanty and Michael Mayer are to blame

The Las Vegas Raiders could hardly have asked for a better opening statement to the Klint Kubiak era.

A franchise that endured a miserable 3-14 campaign in 2025 began the new season with a controlled 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins , immediately giving the organization evidence that its latest rebuild may be heading in the right direction.

There were plenty of reasons for optimism, but three names in particular helped make the afternoon especially encouraging: Kirk Cousins, Ashton Jeanty and Michael Mayer .

For Tom Brady , who owns a minority stake in the Raiders and has been involved with the organization as part of its football decision-making process, the opening performance offered a glimpse of what the franchise hoped to create when it reshaped its roster and coaching staff.

Cousins was the most important piece of that equation. The veteran quarterback completed 21 of 30 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns in his Raiders debut.

Two of those touchdown passes went to Jeanty, while his opening scoring connection with Jack Bech gave Las Vegas an early advantage. Cousins did throw two interceptions, but his overall performance provided the stability the Raiders were looking for from their veteran signal-caller.

Jeanty , meanwhile, was arguably the biggest offensive difference-maker. The second-year running back rushed for 102 yards on 23 carries and added six catches for 45 yards, with his two receiving touchdowns proving particularly valuable as Miami attempted to stay within striking distance.

The Raiders had initially been concerned about his availability after an ankle injury during the preseason, but he was cleared to play and immediately demonstrated why his presence is so important to Kubiak's offense.

The Raiders finally look like a complete team

The biggest difference from previous seasons was not simply that Las Vegas won. It was the manner in which the Raiders controlled the game.

The defense established the tone early by forcing Miami into punts on its opening possessions, while the offense converted those opportunities into points. Las Vegas eventually carried a 17-6 advantage into halftime and maintained control after the break.

The Raiders finished with 290 total yards but, more importantly, held the ball for 34:53. Miami managed only 259 yards and converted just two of 10 third-down attempts.

Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis was also sacked five times and threw an interception as Las Vegas repeatedly disrupted the offense.

That complementary style was one of the most encouraging aspects of the victory. Instead of relying on one side of the football to rescue the other, the Raiders consistently gave themselves favorable situations.

Kubiak's first game as head coach also suggested that Las Vegas may have a more adaptable offense than the one fans saw during the previous regime.

The Raiders were capable of using Jeanty's versatility, leaning on the running game when necessary and allowing Cousins to make timely throws when opportunities appeared.

Mayer's contribution was quieter than Jeanty's, but his importance should not be overlooked. With star tight end Brock Bowers unavailable after knee surgery, the Raiders need other players at the position to help maintain the offense's structure.

Mayer was not the headline performer against Miami, but his role in the revamped attack remains significant as the season progresses.

There is still plenty to fix. Cousins' two interceptions were a reminder that the Raiders will not be flawless, while the offense will need to become more consistent against stronger opponents. One victory also cannot erase the problems that produced last year's 3-14 record. But the early signs are undeniably different.

Brady's influence was already visible before the season began, particularly in the Raiders ' decision to bring in Cousins.

Cousins has previously explained that a FaceTime conversation with Brady gave him a significant push toward joining Las Vegas, making their connection particularly relevant to the team's new direction.

Now, after one game, the decision is already looking promising.

The challenge arrives immediately. Las Vegas travels to SoFi Stadium in Week 2 to face the Los Angeles Chargers , a divisional opponent that has historically caused the Raiders problems.

The Raiders' official schedule confirms that the Chargers await in Los Angeles following the Miami opener.

A 2-0 start would make the opening victory considerably more meaningful, especially with a difficult portion of the schedule still ahead.

For now, though, the Raiders have accomplished something that had become increasingly difficult in recent years: they looked organized, physical and capable of controlling a game from start to finish.

Cousins provided experience, Jeanty supplied explosiveness and the supporting cast helped Kubiak execute his vision. If Mayer and the rest of the offense can continue developing around them, Las Vegas may finally have the foundation for a genuine turnaround.

It is far too early to call the Raiders contenders. But after one week, Tom Brady and Raider Nation have something they have been waiting for: tangible evidence that this version of the Silver and Black could actually be different.