Silver & Black Sports Network

Jesse Merrick
  • 4.9 (11)
  • 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. 4d ago

    This Explains What the Raiders Offense Will Look Like

    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 Think of this as your Raiders offensive refresher before training camp begins. Back in February, Cody Alexander and I did one of the deepest dives you'll find anywhere into Klint Kubiak's offense and how it could eventually transform the Raiders. Now that the offseason is almost complete and we've seen free agency, the draft, OTAs, and minicamp, this conversation is even more valuable than it was back then. While some of the personnel has changed since we originally recorded this conversation, the principles behind the offense remain the same. In this episode, we explain: 🏴‍☠️ The true fundamentals of Klint Kubiak's offense 🏴‍☠️ Why Fernando Mendoza is such a natural fit in this scheme 🏴‍☠️ How this system helps protect the offensive line 🏴‍☠️ Why Ashton Jeanty is a perfect fit for the wide zone heavy scheme 🏴‍☠️ How Brock Bowers becomes the ultimate chess piece 🏴‍☠️ Why Michael Mayer is more important than people realize 🏴‍☠️ The importance of 12, 21, and 22 personnel Full disclosure: This conversation was originally recorded back in February before the Raiders added Kirk Cousins, Tyler Linderbaum, Jalen Nailor, and several rookies during the draft. But don't let that stop you from watching. In many ways, this conversation is even more relevant now because you can listen to these concepts while plugging the Raiders' newest additions into the equation yourself. If you missed this one the first time around, you're getting one of our greatest hits. And if you watched it back then, it's the perfect refresher before training camp arrives. CHAPTERS LIST 00:00 Kubiak/Shanahan Scheme History 09:22 QBs in the Kubiak Scheme 15:11 How the Scheme Saves the OL 21:16 Ashton's Fit in the Wide Zone 33:25 12 Personnel in the Kubiak Scheme 38:37 WR jobs in Kubiak's System Subscribe for more Raiders coverage Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletterhttps://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN:X: S / jessesbsn Instagram: u / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: b / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #KlintKubiak #FernandoMendoza #BrockBowers #AshtonJeanty #KirkCousins #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    45 min

  2. 6d ago

    Is It Actually Better If Fernando Mendoza Sits?

    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 Is the best thing for Fernando Mendoza and the Raiders' season actually not playing him right away? On this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick takes a deep dive into the Raiders' quarterback situation and explores whether Raiders fans should actually be rooting for Kirk Cousins to keep Fernando Mendoza on the bench early in the season. Jesse also examines historical trends involving No. 1 overall quarterbacks and how the following season pans out for teams that play them. Plus: - What we learned from Episode 1 of Behind the Shield - Why the Raiders may finally be out of purgatory - Why the Stefon Diggs-to-Raiders narrative still doesn't make sense - Keyron Crawford's fit in Rob Leonard's defense CHAPTERS LIST 00:00 IS IT BETTER FOR LV IF MENDOZA SITS? 11:30 TAKEAWAYS FROM BEHIND THE SHIELD: EP. 1 17:39 STEFON DIGGS & WR CONVERSATION 26:44 WATCHING KEYRON CRAWFORD  Subscribe for more Raiders coverage Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletterhttps://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN:X: S / jessesbsn Instagram: u / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: b / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #raiders #raidersreport #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #LasVegasRaiders #KlintKubiak #StefonDiggs #RobLeonard #NFL #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    31 min

  3. Jun 16

    Jason Horowitz Breaks Down the New-Look Raiders

    Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SBSN Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount The Voice of the Raiders is back on the show. Jason Horowitz joins me after getting his first look at the Raiders during minicamp, and one phrase kept coming up throughout our conversation… This team feels different. We dive into Klint Kubiak's no-nonsense approach, Kirk Cousins' impact on the quarterback room, Fernando Mendoza's development, the offensive line battles, and why this defense could become one of the most versatile groups we've seen in Silver and Black in years. Plus, we discuss some under-the-radar players that could make a major impact this season. 🏴‍☠️ Topics discussed: Why the Raiders have a different vibe this yearKlint Kubiak's approach behind the scenesKirk Cousins' leadership and fit with the offenseFernando Mendoza's developmentJalen Nailor and the wide receiver roomAshton Jeanty's role in this offenseOffensive line competitions to watchKwity Paye, Quay Walker & Nakobe DeanHow Rob Leonard could reshape the defense CHAPTERS 00:00 What's Different Under Kubiak 08:14 What Kirk Cousins is Showing 11:03 Fernando Mendoza: The Future of the Franchise 17:03 Analyzing the RB/WR Room 25:13 Offensive Line Competition 28:51 Defensive Versatility and Key Players 33:01 DB Room Breakdown 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    44 min

  4. Jun 11

    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 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 and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    52 min

  5. Jun 9

    Raiders Minicamp Day 1: Biggest Takeaways

    Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SBSN 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 #Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #AidanOConnell #AshtonJeanty #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #RaidersMinicamp #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    43 min

  6. Jun 8

    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 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 and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    53 min

  7. Jun 4

    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 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 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN: X: S / jessesbsn Instagram: u / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: b / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?.. . #Raiders #RaiderNation #MaxxCrosby #RobLeonard #JeremyChinn #TaronJohnson #JermodMcCoy #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #RaidersDefense See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min

  8. Jun 2

    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 and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    29 min
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4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jesse Merrick
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © © 2025 Silver & Black Sports Network
  • Show Website
    Silver & Black Sports Network

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