Silver & Black Sports Network

Raiders Minicamp Day 2: The Good, Bad & Interesting

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFh1ODBxTjhkRzBxT2lyTGl3YTZZVWdKTjdmd3xBQ3Jtc0trT1RFMmp1amJIdmVZbnpPcDhxaTRuNF80N21lanZZaEZRQk10bUNpMlo2QU4xelFYN1VzaGtSRzhXdTRpUldzeXhVMTEtV01MRktQZERjblBhZ2o3R05wUFRNeVNscU1zZ1FjLW55MUtLUUcyaS1Lcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Flink.prizepicks.com%2FLME0%2FSILVER&v=Ag1nYlkuwEQ] Raiders minicamp is in the books, and we're starting to get a much clearer picture of what this team is becoming. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick and former Raiders wide receiver Ryan Hoag break down everything they saw from practice at Raiders Headquarters on Wednesday, including Fernando Mendoza's up-and-down day, Kirk Cousins' continued command of the offense, and some important clues about how Klint Kubiak wants this offense to operate.  🏴‍☠️ Fernando Mendoza's development and why rookie mistakes are part of the process 🏴‍☠️ Kirk Cousins' impressive anticipation and leadership 🏴‍☠️ Why the Raiders packed so many reps into practice 🏴‍☠️ The latest on the offensive line and key position battles 🏴‍☠️ Malcolm Koonce's role in Rob Leonard's defense 🏴‍☠️ Quay Walker's versatility and how that changes things 🏴‍☠️ The latest on Nakobe Dean 🏴‍☠️ Connor Heyward's intriguing fit in Klint Kubiak's offense Plus, Ryan Hoag shares his observations from his first look at the 2026 Raiders and explains what stood out most during Day 2 of minicamp.  CHAPTERS 00:00 Kirk Cousins' Performance and Leadership 04:19 "Backup Day" 07:26 Mendoza and O'Connell 12:15 Analyzing the OL 29:16 More Practice Takeaways 34:06 Versatility Throughout the defense 44:16 Connor Hayward an interesting piece #Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #RaidersMinicamp #KlintKubiak #MalcolmKoonce #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Raiders Minicamp Day 1: Biggest Takeaways

Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SBSN [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbV9oWXM0ZGpiaGpwRnQ1OXAxTERtTlBOWXh2UXxBQ3Jtc0trbUVaRXIzZTN2MWtJLV8yY0QwSllldnZjMmNnMnlYNkpIcXJBMjJISXpHMVN2WmNLOWlQeFZWRmo2aFJlY1Zyd0dsN25xNmFjdmpSMWo4OFRNLThrNE9ZSGR4bGFsS3NWdmwya092U3Z5RzRwcHRldw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fseatgeek.onelink.me%2FRrnK%2FSBSN&v=-z08j4Clrj4] Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Day 1 of Raiders minicamp is in the books, and we're starting to learn even more about Fernando Mendoza, Kirk Cousins, and the direction of this football team. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down the biggest takeaways from practice after spending the day at Raiders Headquarters. We dive into Fernando Mendoza's development, Kirk Cousins' leadership, the quarterback room dynamic, and what coaches and players are saying about the future of the offense.  🏴‍☠️ Fernando Mendoza's growth under center 🏴‍☠️ Kirk Cousins' impact on the QB room 🏴‍☠️ Why coaches keep praising Mendoza's approach 🏴‍☠️ New developments on the offensive line 🏴‍☠️ The latest on Nakobe Dean 🏴‍☠️ Ashton Jeanty and the running backs 🏴‍☠️ Defensive standouts and minicamp observations 🏴‍☠️ What we heard from Mike McCoy, Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza, and Aidan O'Connell Plus, Jesse shares his firsthand observations from practice and explains why the Raiders continue to be encouraged by what they're seeing from their quarterback of the future.  CHAPTERS 00:00 Raiders Minicamp Day 1 01:57 Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza 11:22 Non QB Takeaways from Practice 27:04 What Stood out on the Podium Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2NIU2MwMVZOMkVPMmpRcmRtU04ydkMzRzhwQXxBQ3Jtc0tsS25lQnZzVF9uNzBLWnlvaGw5QVh0WHpaT2gwU1ZUeTZ0WHRqdFhEMjU3Vy1TMUdfdm9PemFhSE4xUWlqYkFwNkVEejZIRTh6d0Q3RTZ5TGxGZzIyR2lBOXJvSXNCTEh2NDd3MlZ6TjJFcFdBVUhUOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Flink.prizepicks.com%2FLME0%2FSILVER&v=-z08j4Clrj4] #Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #AidanOConnell #AshtonJeanty #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #RaidersMinicamp #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Are the Raiders Finally Getting It Right?

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUNBQnF3NGhCMlQ4Ym5mSzFtLWhtWVhSc21jUXxBQ3Jtc0trellaZjhIUDVuWkk1N0F1OEtGQU5EYnkwOGJyYktmVlpwcW1DMzdEWGRrU1BCandTdDR6dHhyMnpzeV9QMVhrcDhPcWNQS2tpX0VTS19QRi03bExpY0ZVbTlKYWJ4NEZNUWtSbXpMV1puSEFPR05kZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Flink.prizepicks.com%2FLME0%2FSILVER&v=iHrM8l21oqc] For the first time in a long time, there's real optimism surrounding the Raiders. With Fernando Mendoza in the fold, Kirk Cousins helping bring him along, Klint Kubiak running the offense, and Rob Leonard reshaping the defense, the Raiders look very different than the team that finished last season. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by former Raiders wide receiver Ryan Hoag for a big-picture breakdown of where this team stands heading into mandatory minicamp.  🏴‍☠️ Fernando Mendoza's development and situation 🏴‍☠️ Why Kirk Cousins may be the perfect mentor 🏴‍☠️ Klint Kubiak's offensive system 🏴‍☠️ Brock Bowers' massive potential 🏴‍☠️ Michael Mayer's role in 12 and 13 personnel 🏴‍☠️ The Raiders' wide receiver room 🏴‍☠️ Rob Leonard's defensive vision 🏴‍☠️ Taron Johnson's impact on the secondary 🏴‍☠️ How the 3-4 defense could evolve 🏴‍☠️ Ryan Hoag's latest "Hoag's Hot Takes" CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Offseason Overview 04:46 Kirk Cousins and His Impact on Fernando Mendoza 09:48 Klint Kubiak's Impact on the Offense 12:36 Breaking Down the WR Room 15:41 Importance of 12 & 13 Personnel 28:03 Assessing the Offensive Line's Strengths and Weaknesses 32:02 Transitioning to a 3-4 Defense: Key Considerations 37:39 The Importance of Versatile Safeties in a Modern Defense 41:37 "Hoag's Hot Takes" #Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #BrockBowers #TaronJohnson #RobLeonard #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

What We're Learning About the Raiders Defense at OTAs

Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SBSN [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2xSLVBxRVI4WnZuOTRZeFpKX20yNWNvWjJEQXxBQ3Jtc0tsT0tWbXZyNEl1WHJXV1lDamJsTXdDbTVGM2p3bWVUV0F6dV9jLXV6UFV4MlRxWlNyRXcyWnEwdjYyQ3pScE4zQ0VoTTdsdU5JbVNyRndlY1BkaWpXbVRCN0JBMW01YXFJSERDYUtUcy1YcWYyTEhibw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fseatgeek.onelink.me%2FRrnK%2FSBSN&v=lcggllu7GDo] Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount We're finally starting to get some real clues about what Rob Leonard wants the Raiders defense to become. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down everything we learned from Rob Leonard, Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, Jeremy Chinn, and others during the latest week of Raiders OTAs.   What the switch to a 3-4 defense really means  Why, and how Rob Leonard's scheme may be more multiple than people realize  The role Maxx Crosby could play in certain fronts  Why aggression continues to be a major theme  Taron Johnson's versatility and how he fits  Jeremy Chinn and the interchangeable safety room  Jermod McCoy's man coverage ability and what that tells us  How Kirk Cousins is helping the defense improve  The biggest takeaways from practice The Raiders may only be in OTAs, but the vision for this defense is becoming much clearer. CHAPTERS LIST 00:00 CLUES ABOUT THE RAIDERS DEFENSE 20:16 HOW KIRK COUSINS IS HELPING THE DEFENSE 22:08 WHAT MAXX HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE STAFF 25:45 PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS FROM DAY 9 OF OTAs Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVdFbE4wdzJNSmpPVG9Hd0hGSjJLM2dKMUZYQXxBQ3Jtc0trTzh3TGd4a1d2U0Y2N01QNDRHaHVBOVQwT19URWlSQld5dko2cktsSmZZQXhnaGpIaVppWFY5UTRLN0RmWEpXajNrZkgzZWkzVWtWeGJsaDVaUDBkaFl3X0p1S2pTdlZCRjI1R2hkMW1mU0dMcFppNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Flink.prizepicks.com%2FLME0%2FSILVER&v=lcggllu7GDo] Subscribe for more Raiders coverage Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3V6VWg4ZEcxa293QjZtRzJtZkZxbzNOZVhJUXxBQ3Jtc0trRHd2UjBFTGttUV9zVXp5cTUxc2wxY1JpaVBnM1NpTjFtSDZCdnp6dXZJZXNBWDJVTFdmNGlTTjFXMHpKWUc4VG5SZlVyVmJQV2FadHlueFA5bFJxUVJRTG5VWUhYSlNueHl0aDloUDYzRHZhM2pUVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2FSilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com%2F&v=zxmiwhQKrtI] Follow SBSN: X: S / jessesbsn Instagram: u / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: b / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjlqU0xJbzJkOGpzSFFRYW9qX3ZRSDh6eEx5UXxBQ3Jtc0trNFBZdmU2WjZLdjlTZU83eTZGaDhHWU9DdHczVTNLNkI0dEViVGNPNngtd0U2a2lfb0xMdDNldGw4cWpGXzdrYmpPMEJoeWMtM0s5VlBqQWctd3VZcjc0ZF9aVDd2OU02UVBGUVhVVDNoVUkxd1FmQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3F..&v=zxmiwhQKrtI] . #Raiders #RaiderNation #MaxxCrosby #RobLeonard #JeremyChinn #TaronJohnson #JermodMcCoy #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #RaidersDefense See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Most Important Raider Nobody Is Talking About

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Who is the most underrated player on the Raiders roster? In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick makes the case for one Raider who could be absolutely pivotal to what this defense becomes in 2026 — and it's probably not who you think. We dive into why Adam Butler may be one of the most important pieces in Rob Leonard's defense and how his versatility could unlock the entire front seven. We also discuss: 🏴‍☠️ Why Adam Butler's impact goes far beyond the stat sheet 🏴‍☠️ Taron Johnson returning to practice and what it means for the secondary 🏴‍☠️ Kirk Cousins vs. Fernando Mendoza and when the rookie might actually take over Plus, Jesse explains why Michael Mayer deserves consideration as one of the most underrated players on the offensive side of the ball and why Klint Kubiak's system could be a perfect fit for him. CHAPTERS 00:00 MOST UNDERRATED RAIDER 12:43 TARON JOHNSON SHOWS UP 19:40 KIRK COUSINS VS. FERNANDO MENDOZA Question of the Day: Who do YOU think is the most underrated player on the Raiders roster? #Raiders #RaiderNation #AdamButler #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #TaronJohnson #TreydanStukes #MichaelMayer #NFL #LasVegasRaiders See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].