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. 6h ago

    AFC West Preview: How the Raiders Match Up with the Chiefs

    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 In Part 3 of our AFC West Preview series, Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters.com joins Jesse Merrick to break down how the Raiders stack up against Kansas City after one of the most surprising seasons of the Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes era. Can the Chiefs bounce back, or has the rest of the AFC West finally passed them by? In today's show, Cody and Jesse dive into: 🏴‍☠️ What Eric Bieniemy's return means for the Chiefs offense 🏴‍☠️ How Kenneth Walker changes Kansas City's rushing attack 🏴‍☠️ Why the Chiefs are moving away from their recent offensive identity 🏴‍☠️ The biggest questions surrounding Patrick Mahomes and the offense 🏴‍☠️ How Kansas City's rebuilt secondary could change the defense 🏴‍☠️ Why the Chiefs invested heavily in the defensive line 🏴‍☠️ Where the Raiders can attack Steve Spagnuolo's defense 🏴‍☠️ How the Raiders defense matches up against Mahomes and company 🏴‍☠️ Cody Alexander's surprising outlook on the Chiefs heading into 2026 👇 Question of the Day: Do you think the Chiefs bounce back this season, or has the rest of the AFC West finally started to catch them? 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 #Chiefs #PatrickMahomes #EricBieniemy #KennethWalker #AFCWest #NFL #CodyAlexander #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork 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

    AFC West Preview: How the Raiders Match Up with the Chargers

    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 The AFC West remains one of the toughest divisions in football, and today we're turning our attention to one of the most fascinating teams in the league: the Los Angeles Chargers. In Part 2 of our AFC West Preview Series, Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters.com joins Jesse Merrick to break down how the Raiders match up against the Chargers heading into the 2026 season. We dive into: 🏴‍☠️ What Mike McDaniel's arrival means for Justin Herbert 🏴‍☠️ Why the Chargers offense could look completely different this year 🏴‍☠️ How Omarion Hampton, Ladd McConkey and the rest of the supporting cast fit into the scheme 🏴‍☠️ Where the Chargers invested heavily in the offensive line 🏴‍☠️ How the Raiders can slow down this rushing attack 🏴‍☠️ What to expect from the Chargers defense under Chris O'Leary 🏴‍☠️ How Derwin James remains the centerpiece of the defense 🏴‍☠️ The biggest matchup advantages for both teams 🏴‍☠️ Where the Raiders can attack the Chargers The Chargers won 11 games last season, but they've also made major changes this offseason. So are they better, worse, or simply different? Cody and Jesse break down the schemes, personnel, and matchups that will define the Raiders vs. Chargers matchups in 2026. 👇 Question of the Day: How do you think the Raiders match up against the Chargers right now? What concerns you most, and where do you think the Raiders have the advantage? 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 #Chargers #JustinHerbert #MikeMcDaniel #AFCWest #NFL #CodyAlexander #LasVegasRaiders #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  3. Jul 14

    AFC West Preview: How the Raiders Match Up with the Broncos

    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 The AFC West might be the toughest division in football, and if the Raiders are going to take a step forward in 2026, they'll have to find a way to beat the teams they see twice every year. In Part 1 of our AFC West Preview Series, Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters.com joins Jesse Merrick to break down the Denver Broncos and examine how they match up against the Silver & Black heading into the season. 🏴‍☠️ How much have the Raiders closed the gap on Denver? 🏴‍☠️ Why losing John Franklin-Myers could matter more than people think 🏴‍☠️ How Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders' rushing attack could challenge the Broncos defense 🏴‍☠️ Why 12 personnel could be the key to attacking Denver 🏴‍☠️ How Brock Bowers creates matchup problems for the Broncos 🏴‍☠️ What Jaylen Waddle adds to Denver's offense 🏴‍☠️ Why Bo Nix and the Broncos offense could take another step forward 🏴‍☠️ How Rob Leonard's defense might attack Denver 🏴‍☠️ Where the Raiders have advantages—and where Denver still has the edge The Broncos reached the AFC Championship Game last season and return one of the NFL's most complete rosters. So where exactly do the Raiders stack up against them today? Cody and Jesse break it all down. 👇 Question of the Day: How do you think the Raiders match up against the Broncos right now? What gives you confidence, and what concerns you the most heading into the 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?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #DenverBroncos #Broncos #AFCWest #BoNix #JalenWaddle #BrockBowers #AshtonJeanty #MaxxCrosby #CodyAlexander #NFL #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  4. Jul 7

    My Boldest Raiders Defensive Predictions

    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 It's time to put some defensive predictions on the record. After breaking down my offensive predictions last week, we're turning our attention to Rob Leonard's defense and making some bold calls about what this unit will look like in 2026. 🏴‍☠️ Will the Raiders become one of the NFL's most aggressive defenses? 🏴‍☠️ How often will Rob Leonard blitz? 🏴‍☠️ Can Maxx Crosby get back to 12+ sacks? 🏴‍☠️ Which rookie defender could surprise people? 🏴‍☠️ Can Nakobe Dean become one of the most productive linebackers in football? 🏴‍☠️ Who wins the battle between Darien Porter and Jermod McCoy? 🏴‍☠️ Will The "Tokyo Toe" beat out Matt Gay? Plus, Jesse Merrick breaks down some of the camp battles, scheme trends, and position group developments that could shape the Raiders defense this season. CHAPTERS 00:00 RAIDERS DEFENSIVE PREDICTIONS 08:30 DEFENSIVE LINE PREDICTIONS 17:18 LINEBACKERS PREDICTIONS 22:00 DEFENSIVE BACKS PREDICTIONS 27:00 SPECIAL TEAMS PREDICTIONS 👇 Question of the Day: What's your boldest prediction for the Raiders defense in 2026? 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 #MaxxCrosby #NakobeDean #DarienPorter #JermodMcCoy #TreydanStukes #RobLeonard #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork #RaidersNews See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  5. Jul 2

    My Boldest Raiders Offensive Predictions

    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 It's time to put some predictions on the record. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down his official predictions for the Raiders offense heading into the 2026 season. 🏴‍☠️ How many games will the Raiders win? 🏴‍☠️ How long will Kirk Cousins hold off Fernando Mendoza? 🏴‍☠️ Will Ashton Jeanty become one of the NFL's most productive backs? 🏴‍☠️ Which young receiver could surprise people? 🏴‍☠️ How often will Klint Kubiak lean on 12 and 13 personnel? 🏴‍☠️ Can Brock Bowers reach another 1,000-yard season? 🏴‍☠️ What will the offensive line look like? 🏴‍☠️ Can the Raiders' offensive line make a massive leap forward? 👇 Question of the Day: What's your boldest prediction for the Raiders offense this season? CHAPTERS  00:00 RAIDERS PREDICTIONS. HOW MANY GAMES WILL THEY WIN?  04:02 QB PREDICTIONS  07:51 RB PREDICTIONS  11:19 WR PREDICTIONS  14:58 TE PREDICTIONS  19:24 OL PREDICTIONS 📺 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage 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 #AshtonJeanty #BrockBowers #MichaelMayer #KlintKubiak #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. Jun 30

    The Hidden Key to the Raiders Offense

    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 Michael Mayer actually one of the most important players on the Raiders' roster? In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick explains why Michael Mayer's role may be the key to unlocking everything Klint Kubiak wants to do on offense. While Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Fernando Mendoza will receive most of the attention, Mayer's ability to handle the traditional "Y" tight end role could be what makes the entire system work. 🏴‍☠️ Why 12 personnel is critical to Klint Kubiak's offense 🏴‍☠️ The difference between Brock Bowers' role and Michael Mayer's role 🏴‍☠️ Why the Raiders' rushing attack depends on successful 12 personnel 🏴‍☠️ How Mayer helps unlock Brock Bowers as a weapon 🏴‍☠️ Why trading Michael Mayer would be a mistake 🏴‍☠️ The future of Mayer beyond 2026 🏴‍☠️ Ian Thomas, Connor Heyward & Carter Runyon's roles If you've ever wondered why the Raiders continue to invest so heavily in the tight end position, this episode will explain exactly why. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why 12 Personnel is so Important 07:00 Defining Roles: Michael Mayer vs. Brock Bowers 11:30 Why Mayer is Key for the Raiders' Offense 17:46 How Ian Thomas, Carter Runyon, and Connor Heyward Fit #Raiders #RaiderNation #MichaelMayer #BrockBowers #KlintKubiak #FernandoMendoza #AshtonJeanty #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.

  7. Jun 25

    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.

  8. Jun 23

    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.

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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
    134
  • Copyright
    © © 2025 Silver & Black Sports Network
  • Show Website
    Silver & Black Sports Network

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