Silver & Black Sports Network

Jesse Merrick
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  • FOOTBALL

The Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast is your all-access pass to the Raiders. Hosted by Emmy-winning sports reporter Jesse Merrick, this show takes you behind the scenes with insider coverage straight from Raiders HQ, the locker room, and Allegiant Stadium. As a credentialed media outlet, we’re pulling back the curtain on the Silver and Black—bringing you training camp takeaways, game-day breakdowns, roster moves, and exclusive player insight.

  1. 14H AGO

    Who Is Rob Leonard as a DC? Scheme Breakdown + What to Expect

    The Raiders have a new defensive coordinator — but what kind of defense will Rob Leonard actually run? In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters.com to break down Leonard’s defensive background, coaching influences, and what Raiders fans should realistically expect. Leonard has never called plays at the NFL level — so we dive deep into: • His background as an assistant coach and run game coordinator — and why that matters • What he likely learned under Patrick Graham, Brian Flores, Mike Macdonald, and Steve Spagnuolo • The current NFL coordinator Cody compares Leonard to • Which Raiders players fit this system — and who might not • What positions must be addressed in free agency and the draft • How this defense could stack up in the AFC West Deep dive on Cody's DC comp for Rob Leonard: 👉 https://www.matchquarters.com/p/jaguars-defense-campanile-fangio-flores 👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY 👇 Do you like the hire of Rob Leonard as defensive coordinator? What excites you — or worries you — most? Drop your thoughts in the comments. — 🔔 Subscribe for consistent Raiders coverage 📰 Sign up for our FREE Raiders newsletter: SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow for more Raiders updates: Twitter (X): @JesseSBSN Instagram: @SilverandBlackSportsNetwork 00:00 The Raiders' Decision on Rob Leonard 05:00 Understanding Defensive Roles: The Run Game Coordinator's Impact 07:58 Coaching Tree Influence: Rob Leonard's Background and Schematic Approach 11:04 Defensive Strategies: Chaos Agents vs. Passive Pressure 13:56 Why Rob's Defense will be Different from Patrick Graham 16:53 Nickel Defense Trends: Adapting to Modern NFL Offenses 20:03 Drafting for Defense: Finding the Right Fit for the Raiders 29:11 Defensive Strategies and Player Roles 32:09 Free Agency and Key Player Acquisitions 37:06 Adapting to AFC West Offenses 42:03 Coaching Innovations and Future Outlook #Raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersNews See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    48 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Why Klint Kubiak’s Offense Is a Nightmare to Defend | Former LB Explains

    Klint Kubiak is officially the Raiders’ head coach — but what does his offense actually look like from a defender’s perspective? In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by former Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison to break down what it’s really like trying to stop the Shanahan/Kubiak scheme. Kirk faced Gary Kubiak and Mike Shanahan’s outside zone attack during his playing days — so he knows firsthand why this scheme gives defenses problems. We dive into how Klint Kubiak’s offense stresses linebackers, dictates terms to a defense, and creates advantages in both the run and pass game. Then we connect the dots to the Raiders roster — and what this system means for the perceived top pick, Fernando Mendoza, Ashton Jeanty, JPJ, and the rest of the offensive line room. This is a true X’s-and-O’s breakdown of why the Kubiak offense works — and how it could reshape the Raiders moving forward. — ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Kirk Morrison's take on Klint Kubiak 04:27 What it's like defending the Shanahan/Kubiak Scheme 07:40 How Kubiak's scheme dictates things to the defense 10:41 Where does JPJ fit & how Kubiak will change the OL room 13:37 How Ashton Jeanty fits Kubiak's scheme 16:43 Fernando Mendoza's fit & DC search analysis — 👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY 👇 Which Raiders player are you most excited to see in Klint Kubiak’s offense next season — and why? Drop your answer in the comments. — 🔔 Subscribe for consistent Raiders coverage 📰 Sign up for our FREE Raiders newsletter: SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com (New issues every Friday morning) Follow for more Raiders updates: Twitter (X): @JesseSBSN Instagram: @SilverandBlackSportsNetwork #Raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersNews See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    23 min

  3. FEB 11

    Klint Kubiak Intro Press Conference — Here’s What Stood Out

    Klint Kubiak officially took the podium as the Raiders’ next head coach — and there were a few clear messages in what he said… and how he said it. In this live reaction episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down his biggest takeaways from Kubiak’s introductory press conference at Raiders HQ. We dive into: • The vision Kubiak laid out for the Raiders • What he said about Maxx Crosby and the trade rumors • His thoughts on Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty • The Fernando Mendoza conversation • What Mark Davis had to say afterward about Klint and Fernando Mendoza • And what all of it means for the direction of this franchise This isn’t just about the quotes — it’s about reading between the lines and understanding what today revealed about the Raiders’ future. 👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY 👇 What was YOUR biggest takeaway from Klint Kubiak’s introductory press conference? Drop it in the comments — let’s talk it out. — 🔔 Subscribe for daily Raiders coverage 📰 Sign up for our FREE Raiders newsletter: SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow us for more Raiders updates: Twitter (X): @JesseSBSN Instagram: @SilverandBlackSportsNetwork #Raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersNews See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    51 min

  4. FEB 5

    Building Klint Kubiak’s Raiders Staff: Who’s Coming With Him?

    Klint Kubiak is on his way to Las Vegas — but the real work is just beginning. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down what comes next after the Raiders’ head coaching decision: building the staff around Kubiak. Because head coaches don’t rebuild alone, who Kubiak brings with him could shape the direction of this franchise for years to come. In this episode, we dive into: The coaches Kubiak could bring from SeattleThe relationship-backed hires that make the most senseWhy these names aren’t speculation — but logical fitsHow could this staff support the Raiders’ rebuild from Day OnePlus: Jesse breaks down the latest Maxx Crosby newsMatt Perrault joins the show from Media Row in the Bay Area for a preview of the Super Bowl and best bets for the weekend 👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY 👇 If you’re Klint Kubiak, who’s the ONE coach you’re bringing with you to Vegas? Seattle ties or not — drop the name in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage 📰 Sign up for our FREE Raiders newsletter: SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com (New issues every Friday) 📲 Follow us for daily Raiders updates: 🐦 Twitter (X): @JesseSBSN 📸 Instagram: @SilverandBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    40 min

  5. FEB 3

    Klint Kubiak’s Vision: The Scheme That Will Define the Raiders’ Future

    Klint Kubiak is on track to take over as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. So we're going under the hood with Cody Alexander to reveal exactly how this new system will transform the Silver & Black. Everyone is talking about the "Shanahan Tree," but today we’re doing the deep dive to explain what exactly that means for the Raiders. We are breaking down the specific fundamentals of Klint Kubiak’s offensive scheme and how it can redefine the Las Vegas Raiders' identity. In this episode, Jesse Merrick and Cody Alexander (MatchQuarters.com) pull back the curtain on: - The Scheme: The true fundamentals of Kubiak’s offense. - Fernando Mendoza: Why this system would fit him perfectly and what exactly he'll have to adjust to in order to have success in the NFL. - Ashton Jeanty: Why the back is a "dream fit" for this rushing attack. - Brock Bowers: How Kubiak will use him as the ultimate chess piece all over the formation. - The Trenches: How this scheme hides offensive line weaknesses and can help elevate that group. Question of the Day: With Klint Kubiak coming into the fold, what is the ONE thing that excites you most about what he brings to this team? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇 🔔 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage 📰 Sign up for our FREE Raiders newsletter: SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com (New issues every Friday morning) 📲 Follow us for daily Raiders updates: 🐦 Twitter (X): @JesseSBSN 📸 Instagram: @SilverandBlackSportsNetwork #Raiders #RaiderNation #KlintKubiak #LasVegasRaiders #FernandoMendoza #AshtonJeanty #BrockBowers #NFLScheme #SilverAndBlack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    50 min

  6. FEB 2

    Raiders Plan to Hire Klint Kubiak — LIVE Reaction + What He Brings

    The Raiders have their next head coach — Klint Kubiak is headed to Las Vegas. In this LIVE episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick reacts in real time to the Raiders agreeing to terms with Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and breaks down what this hire means for the future of the franchise. We dive into: - How the Raiders managed to land Kubiak amid a chaotic coaching cycle - What Kubiak’s offense could look like in Las Vegas - How the Raiders can build the roster in his image - What this means for the No. 1 pick/Fernando Mendoza - Which assistant coaches Kubiak could bring with him to fill out his staff - Why this hire could change the trajectory of the Raiders long-term 👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY 👇 Grade the hire. Did the Raiders get the right guy? Drop your thoughts in the comments and jump in the live chat. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for daily Raiders coverage 📰 Sign up for our FREE Raiders newsletter: SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com 🐦 Follow on X/Twitter: @JesseSBSN 📸 Follow on Instagram: @SilverandBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    52 min

  7. JAN 29

    Raiders Coaching Search: Master Plan…or Plan B? (Kubiak vs Webb)

    The Raiders coaching search is officially at a turning point — and right now, it feels like one of two things are happening… Either the Raiders played this perfectly, waited out the chaos, and are now sitting in the best possible position. OR they already missed on their top candidate — and what we’re watching now is their Plan B. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by former Raiders wide receiver Ryan Hoag to break down the latest coaching search intel and what it could mean for the future of the franchise. We dive into: How the Raiders coaching search has played out so farWhether or not it makes sense for Klint Kubiak to leave Seattle at allWhat Davis Webb does — and doesn’t — bring to the tableAnd what the Raiders should do if both Kubiak and Webb pass on the job 👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY 👇 Give me your rankings: Who are your Top 3 head coach candidates for the Raiders RIGHT NOW? (Keep it to candidates who are actually available.) Drop your thoughts in the comments — let’s talk it out. 🔔 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage 📰 Sign up for our FREE Raiders newsletter: SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com (New issues every Friday morning) 📲 Follow us on social for daily Raiders updates: Twitter (X): @JesseSBSN Instagram: @SilverandBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    26 min

  8. JAN 27

    This Could Flip the Raiders’ Coaching Search Upside Down

    The Raiders coaching search is moving fast — and things are starting to take shape. In this LIVE episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down the latest intel, rumors, and momentum surrounding the Raiders’ head coaching search and how this process could realistically play out. We dive into the most talked-about names right now, including: • What we’re hearing about Klint Kubiak • Where Davis Webb fits into the picture • How Brian Daboll still factors into the search • Which other candidates could emerge — and which ones may be fading This isn’t just about naming candidates — it’s about understanding the endgame. We walk through all the possible scenarios for how this search could unfold, what could flip the board, and how each outcome would impact the Raiders moving forward — especially with a franchise quarterback decision looming. 👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY 👇 Which coaching path makes the most sense for the Raiders right now — and why? Drop your thoughts in the live chat or comments and let’s talk it out. 🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss future live shows and updates 📰 Sign up for our FREE Raiders newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com (New issues every Friday morning) 📲 Follow us on social for more Raiders coverage: Twitter (X): @JesseSBSN Instagram: @SilverandBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    51 min
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out of 5
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About

The Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast is your all-access pass to the Raiders. Hosted by Emmy-winning sports reporter Jesse Merrick, this show takes you behind the scenes with insider coverage straight from Raiders HQ, the locker room, and Allegiant Stadium. As a credentialed media outlet, we’re pulling back the curtain on the Silver and Black—bringing you training camp takeaways, game-day breakdowns, roster moves, and exclusive player insight.

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