Silver & Black Sports Network

Jesse Merrick
  • 4.9 (12)
  • 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. 3d ago

    Maxx Crosby Does It Again + Treydan Stukes Making His Move?

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Treydan Stukes is starting to make his move at Raiders Training Camp. The Raiders' second-round pick got what appeared to be his most extensive work with the first-team defense yet during Practice number 12 of training camp, and where Las Vegas used him could give us a major clue about the rookie's role in 2026. And then there's Maxx Crosby. After sitting out the preseason opener, Crosby returned to practice and immediately wreaked havoc. Jesse Merrick had Maxx down for three would-be sacks and a pass breakup, including a dominant rep against DJ Glaze and another where he blew up a play-action boot before Kirk Cousins had much of a chance to react. On today's Silver and Black Sports Network Podcast, we're breaking down all of the biggest developments from Practice 12 of Raiders Training Camp, including: Treydan Stukes getting extended work with the first-team defense Maxx Crosby's dominant day What the Raiders' pass rush looks like with — and without — Maxx Malik Benson making ANOTHER play of the day Kirk Cousins and Jalen Nailor building chemistry Fernando Mendoza dropping an absolute dime to Phillip Dorsett Hezekiah Masses making another play in the secondary The latest JPJ vs. Caleb Rogers battle at right guard What we're learning about the Raiders' offensive line depth Brock Bowers and Tonka Hemingway's absences Dont'e Thornton Jr. taking a step toward his return QUESTION OF THE DAY: What kind of role do you want to see Treydan Stukes have as a rookie? Make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for Raiders Training Camp coverage, analysis and podcasts throughout the 2026 season. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Raiders Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #TreydanStukes #MaxxCrosby #RaidersTrainingCamp #LasVegasRaiders See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  2. 5d ago

    What Fernando Mendoza Showed Us in His Raiders Debut

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut Thursday night as the Las Vegas Raiders opened the preseason against the Arizona Cardinals, and we finally got an extended look at the No. 1 overall pick in live game action. Former Raiders wide receiver Ryan Hoag joins Jesse Merrick to break down what Mendoza showed in his first professional game, from his adjustment to NFL speed and handling pressure to some of the throws that flashed exactly why Las Vegas made him the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. We also break down Kirk Cousins and the Raiders' starting offense, including an efficient opening drive that featured plenty of motion and multiple personnel groupings. Plus, what did the first-team defense show, and which players helped — or hurt — themselves in the first preseason game? On this episode: Fernando Mendoza's first extended NFL action What Mendoza did well — and where he still needs to improve Kirk Cousins and the starting offense Jack Bech making the most of his opportunities Mike Washington Jr.'s explosive night The Raiders' cornerback competition Darien Porter and Jermod McCoy's performances Greedy Vance emerging in the secondary Concerns about the Raiders' defensive line and pass rush Keyron Crawford, Cian Slone and other young defenders Our biggest takeaways from Raiders vs. Cardinals QUESTION OF THE DAY: What was YOUR biggest takeaway from Fernando Mendoza's debut? Let us know in the comments. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Raiders Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #LasVegasRaiders #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  3. Aug 12

    Ashton Jeanty Just Gave Raiders Fans a Glimpse of What's Coming

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER The Raiders took over Allegiant Stadium for Day 11 of training camp, and Jeanty delivered one of the biggest plays of the night—bursting through the defense for an untouched 30+ yard touchdown run. But the explosive run is only part of the story. Throughout training camp, we're continuing to see signs of just how heavily the Raiders could lean on Jeanty in 2026, not only on the ground but also as a weapon in the passing game. We also dive into all of the biggest takeaways from the Raiders' practice at Allegiant Stadium, including: Kirk Cousins continuing to efficiently operate the Raiders offense Fernando Mendoza flashing some impressive NFL throws, and still showing some rookie growing pains Aidan O'Connell pushing the ball downfield Malik Benson continuing to make his case at wide receiver Tonka Hemingway making more noise along the defensive line The Raiders' pass rush creating problems The latest developments in the kicking competition What we're learning about this Raiders offense after 11 training camp practices Then we turn our attention toward Thursday's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals and lay out what matters most when the Raiders finally take the field against another team. Who plays? How much should Fernando Mendoza get? Which young players have the most to gain? And which roster battles could begin to take shape once the lights come on? QUESTION OF THE DAY: What's the ONE thing you're most excited to watch when the Raiders take on the Cardinals in the preseason opener? Drop your answer in the comments. Make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for Raiders coverage throughout training camp and the 2026 season. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Raiders Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #AshtonJeanty #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #RaidersTrainingCamp #LasVegasRaiders See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  4. Aug 10

    Kirk Cousins Came Back FIRING at Raiders Practice

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Kirk Cousins returned to full participation at Raiders Training Camp, and he came back firing. After Cousins and Maxx Crosby were held out of team drills Saturday following their practice altercation, both veterans were back in the mix for Day 10, and Cousins delivered one of his best practices of camp. Jesse Merrick breaks down what he saw from Cousins, who started fast in the red zone, connected with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, and even brought out the famous “You like that?!” while jawing back and forth with the Raiders defense. It wasn't as smooth of a day for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. The rookie battled some inconsistency, including a rough finish to the two-minute drill, after getting extended work with the first-team offense Saturday. We break down what went wrong and why the way Mendoza responds at the Raiders' upcoming Allegiant Stadium practice will be worth watching. Plus, the Raiders' young cornerback competition continues to get more interesting. Hezekiah Masses got his first work in the slot with the first-team defense, Darien Porter continues to battle, and Jermod McCoy says he's getting closer to his old self as he works his way back into football shape. We also dive into Malik Benson making another impressive play, Tonka Hemingway's strong camp, Malcolm Koonce making his presence felt, Trey Zuhn moving back to center, and several players to watch as the Raiders prepare for their preseason opener. QUESTION OF THE DAY: Who do you think wins the starting cornerback job opposite Eric Stokes—and why? 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Raiders Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #KirkCousins #FernandoMendoza #MaxxCrosby #RaidersTrainingCamp #LasVegasRaiders See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  5. Aug 8

    Cousins & Crosby Pay the Price... Fernando Mendoza Gets His Chance

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby were held out of the team portions of Raiders practice on Saturday following their heated altercation on Friday, and that opened the door for Fernando Mendoza. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said Cousins and Crosby were held out after violating the team's expectations for how they practice, sending an early message that even two of the Raiders' biggest leaders will be held accountable. Kubiak said they would be back at practice Monday. But their absence also created a major opportunity for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, who received his first extended work with the Raiders' first-team offense. So how did the rookie respond? In this episode, Jesse Merrick breaks down everything he saw from Mendoza during Day 9 of Raiders Training Camp, including a shaky start, his ability to respond to mistakes, an impressive touchdown to Michael Mayer, a beautiful red-zone throw to Tre Tucker and an efficient two-minute drive to close practice. We also dive into: Why Kubiak held Cousins and Crosby out, and what message it sends to the locker room Fernando Mendoza's first extended opportunity with the 1s What Mendoza is already showing in Klint Kubiak's play-action and bootleg-heavy offense Aidan O'Connell taking advantage of increased reps The latest on the Jackson Powers-Johnson vs. Caleb Rogers battle at right guard Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. flashing in the running game Malcolm Koonce making some noise Connor Heyward's physicality More Raiders who could be worth watching in the preseason QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do you like Kubiak's decision to hold Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby out of team drills following Friday's fight? Make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for daily Raiders Training Camp coverage straight from Raiders HQ. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Raiders Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #MaxxCrosby #RaidersTrainingCamp #LasVegasRaiders #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  6. Aug 7

    This Raiders Rookie Is Becoming Impossible to Ignore

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Things got heated between Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby at Raiders Training Camp. The Raiders had their first real scuffle of camp after Maxx made contact with Cousins' throwing arm for the second time during practice. Kirk wasn't happy about it, and the veteran quarterback wasn't afraid to let one of the unquestioned leaders of this team know about it. What happened afterward may have been even more interesting, as Cousins responded by getting dialed in during the Raiders' two-minute period and continued what's been an impressive training camp for the veteran QB. In today's episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down everything he saw from Day 8 of Raiders Training Camp, including: What happened between Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby Why Kirk's response could matter inside the Raiders locker room Malik Benson's continued rise and why the rookie WR is earning more first-team opportunities Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer making plays in a heavy dose of 12 personnel Second-round pick Treydan Stukes getting increased work with the starters Why Greedy Vance continues to impress in the secondary The latest on the Jackson Powers-Johnson vs. Caleb Rogers battle at right guard Another young Raiders RB who continues to flash The latest from the Raiders' kicking competition The deeper we get into training camp, the more we're beginning to see which players are separating themselves, and several young Raiders are starting to make their move. QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are you buying the Malik Benson hype? How big of a role do you think the rookie receiver will have in this Raiders offense? Subscribe for daily coverage straight from Raiders HQ throughout training camp, and check out the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Raiders Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #KirkCousins #MaxxCrosby #MalikBenson #RaidersTrainingCamp #LasVegasRaiders See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  7. Aug 6

    The Battle at Right Guard Is On

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER For the first time this summer, the coaching staff rotated the first-team offensive line as Jackson Powers-Johnson and Caleb Rogers split reps at right guard. Is this the beginning of a true competition, and could more changes be coming up front? In today's episode, Jesse Merrick breaks down why this move matters, what it says about the Raiders' confidence in the offensive line, and the biggest takeaways from Day 7 of training camp. In this episode: The right guard battle between JPJ and Caleb Rogers begins Why this is the first major shakeup of the starting offense Maxx Crosby dominates The defensive backs come away with multiple interceptions and pass breakups Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza air it out Standout performances from both sides of the ball What to watch as training camp continues Question of the Day: Who do you think will win the competition at right guard? Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersTrainingCamp #JacksonPowersJohnson #CalebRogers #MaxxCrosby #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  8. Aug 4

    Which Raiders Linemen Are Making Their Move?

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Football games are won in the trenches, and the Raiders know that. At Tuesday's practice , Jesse Merrick zeroed in on the offensive and defensive lines during 1-on-1s to get a better evaluation of the battle in the trenches. In this episode, Jesse breaks down the biggest takeaways from Raiders Training Camp, including: 🏴‍☠️ Which offensive and defensive linemen dominated 1-on-1s 🏴‍☠️ Tonka Hemingway's continued rise 🏴‍☠️ JJ Pegues, Trey Zuhn and Caleb Rogers continue battling for bigger roles 🏴‍☠️ Tyler Linderbaum, Kolton Miller and the latest offensive line developments 🏴‍☠️ Keyron Crawford's impressive response after a slow start 🏴‍☠️ The latest on Jackson Powers-Johnson and the offensive line competition 🏴‍☠️ Standout performances from the WR vs. DB 1-on-1 period, including Malik Benson, Jack Bech, Hezekiah Masses and Brock Bowers 🏴‍☠️ Red-zone observations featuring Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza, Brock Bowers and Jalen Nailor 👇 Question of the Day: Which offensive and defensive linemen do you think are primed for bigger roles this season? Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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4.9
out of 5
12 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
    147
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © © 2025 Silver & Black Sports Network
  • Show Website
    Silver & Black Sports Network