Klint Kubiak Reacts to Disappointing Loss Against Patriots

Head coach Klint Kubiak addressed reporters on Sunday, October 11, 2026, following a disappointing performance against the New England Patriots, pointing to eight penalties, an abandoned running game, and early defensive struggles as the primary drivers of the loss.

Kubiak Cites Penalties and Flaws Across All Three Phases

Kubiak opened his postgame press conference by labeling the outing a very disappointing performance from both players and coaches alike. The team accumulated eight penalties during the contest, a mark the head coach described as far too many and well below the standard established during the first four weeks of the season. When asked about the defensive struggles, Kubiak stated that neither the defense, offense, nor special teams played well enough to secure a victory.

Special teams miscues caught the coaching staff off guard, as that phase had previously functioned as a steady strength for the roster. Kubiak admitted responsibility for the team coming out flat, noting plainly that it is on him to ensure the squad is ready to compete from the opening whistle.

“You know, it’s on me to get us ready to go, and we weren’t ready to go.”
— Klint Kubiak

Discipline issues extended beyond penalties. A toss play in the second quarter while trailing by 14 resulted in a severe negative loss after a New England defensive end anticipated the play. Kubiak acknowledged that this sequence served as a massive momentum swing that put the offense behind the sticks in difficult second-and-long and third-and-long situations.

Offensive Stagnation and the Early Abandonment of the Run

Offensive adjustments failed to materialize as the game progressed. Running back Mike Watson finished with just one carry, a usage rate Kubiak directly attributed to falling behind early and shifting prematurely to a passing script. Kubiak conceded that he abandoned the running game far too fast and failed to give it a proper chance to establish rhythm.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins faced consistent pressure behind the line of scrimmage. Kubiak credited the New England blitz package and aggressive pressure schemes for disrupting passing lanes, especially when the offense was forced into obvious passing downs. Regarding wide receiver production and tight end Brock Bowers, Kubiak stated that the offensive staff simply did not get the job done.

Running back Ashton Jeanty played through physical injuries during the matchup. Kubiak pointed to Jeanty’s toughness in taking the field despite being beat up as a clear testament to his commitment to his teammates.

Late Game Exposure for Fernando Mendoza

Trailing late in the contest, the coaching staff inserted quarterback Fernando Mendoza into the game on the final drive. Kubiak explained that the decision aimed entirely at securing valuable game exposure and live reps for the young quarterback’s ongoing development.

Kubiak confirmed that the brief appearance does not alter the established quarterback plan moving forward. Defensive rotations also featured substitutions between cornerbacks Hezekiah Masses and Darien Porter, which Kubiak noted was the intended game plan to get both players onto the field.

Moving Forward Without Pointing Fingers

Addressing the locker room’s mindset following the defeat, Kubiak emphasized accountability. He stressed that pointing fingers at others defines a loser, whereas true competitors look inward to evaluate what they can improve.

Kubiak noted that the upcoming weeks will reveal the true maturity and leadership of the team. With an entire season still ahead, the coach maintained that the group cannot allow a single loss to beat them twice.