Starting 3-0 with what seemed like an impressive win over the Los Angeles Chargers gave real hope for what the Las Vegas Raiders could do this season under a new regime. But three straight losses have stopped the hype train right in its tracks.

Now, as Kirk Cousins faces a few questions over his spot under center, fans are already starting to push for this year’s number one overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, to take the reins.

That said, legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski believes that isn’t the team’s most pressing need at the moment.

Rob Gronkowski Explains Why Kirk Cousins Isn’t the Culprit for the Raiders’ Slump

The biggest change for the Raiders in the last three weeks has been the level of competition. Besides the Chargers (who have started 0-6), their other two wins came against the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints.

On the other hand, the last three weeks have seen them take on the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and the New England Patriots. That change is reflected in their record flipping completely. But for Gronkowski, the problems are going to take longer to fix.

“I don’t think Kirk is the problem,” the Patriots legend said on the latest episode of “The Gronk & Jules Show” on Fox Sports. “I think the Raiders just don’t know how to win yet.

“After being the organization that they’ve been over the last couple of years, a laughing stock a little bit in that division. And now they’re good. They’re very solid. This team’s product on the field is legit. Kirk is playing lights out.”

So far this season, Cousins’ 82.3 grade ranks #9 in PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metric, with 1,582 passing yards (fifth-most in the league) and 14 passing touchdowns (tied for most in the league) while giving up just five interceptions.

Despite lacking an established superstar at wide receiver, Cousins has produced strong numbers. Players such as Tre Tucker have contributed explosive plays, including Tucker’s two-touchdown performance against Buffalo. As a result, the legendary tight end isn’t willing to place all the blame on Cousins for their recent struggles.

“It’s not Kirk Cousins that’s the problem. They just don’t know how to win. They’re a good team. They’re competing this year. It’s so much better to watch them over the last couple of years with how they’ve been performing. But it’s fun, but they just don’t know how to get over that hump against good teams.”

Two of the Raiders’ three losses have come by three points each, so they are keeping it close against tough competition as well. Gronkowski wants to see that as a positive development and one that the team can continue to build on.

If the season goes awry completely, the Raiders have reason to throw Mendoza into the deep end and get him acclimated to life in the big leagues.

But for the time being, there is plenty of upside to this Raiders team that Gronkowski doesn’t want them to abandon yet.