Kupp Says Raiders’ Kubiak is a Different Coach Than in Seattle

WHO:

seahawks.com - Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said he “really loved working with Klint” and praised his teamwork, ability to see the broader picture, honesty, and ability to keep personal emotions out of situations.

seahawks.com - Cooper Kupp said Kubiak’s coaching strengths include “ball knowledge,” character, work ethic, and the way he conducts his daily life.

seahawks.com - Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II said the defense has little tape on Fernando Mendoza and would need strong communication and coordinated pass rushing.

Heavy NFL - Klint Kubiak is the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach; Cooper Kupp is identified as a Seattle Seahawks star.

NY Post - Cooper Kupp said Kubiak was “a different guy” with the Raiders than he had been in Seattle.

raiders.com - Kubiak coached Seattle as its offensive coordinator before becoming the Raiders’ head coach. Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall draft pick and a Heisman Trophy winner, was named the starter; veteran Kirk Cousins was traded to Minnesota.

raiders.com - Seattle’s coach is Mike Macdonald and its quarterback is Drew Lock. The article lists Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, Quenton Nelson and Dante Fowler as key additions, and Kenneth Walker III, Dareke Young, Boye Mafe, Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen as key losses.

WHAT:

seahawks.com - Macdonald said the Raiders’ offense has evolved around its available personnel and is moving the ball and scoring at a high level.

seahawks.com - Kubiak said players should focus on their own technique, studying, and film preparation before the opponent.

seahawks.com - Kubiak credited John Schneider and Mike Macdonald with running an “all-football building,” treating people well, and getting the most out of them.

seahawks.com - Macdonald compared the coaching matchup to an early-season divisional game: the coaches know each other, but their teams have changed.

seahawks.com - The Seahawks practiced at Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

Heavy NFL - Kubiak surprised Kupp with a trait Kupp had not seen before.

NY Post - Kupp’s time with Kubiak was short and, according to the article, differed from the experience of Raiders players.

raiders.com - Seattle’s offense averaged 33.6 points per game in the playoffs with Kubiak, en route to a Super Bowl title. The Raiders are averaging 26.4 points per game through nine games, more than 12 points above the previous year; Seattle’s average fell from 28.4 points under Kubiak last season to 22.4 this season, moving from third to 18th in the NFL.

raiders.com - Seattle’s defense leads the league with 2,198 yards allowed and ranks among the top five in yards allowed per play (4.1), points allowed per game (18), takeaways (13), passing yards allowed (1,396) and quarterback pressure rate (27%).

raiders.com - Mendoza’s only significant playing time this season was in the fourth quarter of a 45–17 loss at New England: he completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.

WHERE:

raiders.com - The Raiders are set to host Seattle at Allegiant Stadium.

WHY:

raiders.com - The matchup is notable because Seattle is the defending Super Bowl champion and Mendoza is making his first career start against it.

HOW:

raiders.com - Kubiak said the team expects Mendoza “to lead the offense,” “lead the operation,” and “be the leader of the team,” and that it must prepare him and give him “a lot of reps” to get him comfortable.

The Raiders named rookie Fernando Mendoza their starter against defending champion Seattle, making his first career start. Coach Klint Kubiak faces his former team, while Seattle coach Mike Macdonald praised their past collaboration. Las Vegas hosts the matchup, with Seattle’s defense among the league’s strongest.