Silver & Black Sports Network

Jesse Merrick

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. 1d ago

    The Raiders Are 3-0... And It's Time to Take Them Seriously

    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 Las Vegas Raiders went into New Orleans and beat the Saints to remain undefeated — and once again, they found a completely different way to win. Jesse Merrick and former Raiders wide receiver Ryan Hoag break down everything that stood out from the Raiders' Week 3 win, starting with the return of Brock Bowers and the massive impact he had on Klint Kubiak's offense. Bowers immediately reminded everyone what the Raiders had been missing, finishing with 10 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, while Kirk Cousins delivered another strong performance with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Then there's the defense. Rob Leonard and the Raiders forced four takeaways in the fourth quarter, Nakobe Dean was everywhere, Malcolm Koonce came alive as a pass rusher, and Vegas found a way to close out a dangerous Tyler Shough and Saints offense when it mattered most. So after wins over Miami, Los Angeles, and now New Orleans, the question has changed: How seriously should we be taking the 3-0 Raiders? On today's show: 🏴‍☠️ Raiders improve to 3-0💪 Brock Bowers' HUGE return♟️ How Bowers changed Klint Kubiak's offense🎯 Another impressive performance from Kirk Cousins🔥 Rob Leonard's fourth-quarter adjustments💥 Malcolm Koonce comes alive🧠 Why Nakobe Dean has been worth every penny👀 The concern at safety without Treydan Stukes⚡ Mike Washington Jr. continues to make plays📈 Why this Raiders start feels sustainable🏆 What 3-0 means heading into Chiefs week QUESTION OF THE DAY: What's your biggest takeaway from the Raiders vs. Saints game? 👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to the Silver & Black Sports Network for Raiders news, analysis, podcasts and firsthand coverage from Raiders HQ all season long. 📬 Get the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Newsletter every Friday morning at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Follow SBSN on all platforms: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: / silver-black-sports-network-61563125927573 #Raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersVsSaints #LasVegasRaiders #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  2. 3d ago

    3 Things the Raiders MUST Get Right vs. the Saints

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Brock Bowers could be back — but the Raiders have some major questions to answer before they can leave New Orleans 3-0. Jesse Merrick breaks down three things he's watching in Raiders vs. Saints game, starting with how Brock Bowers' potential return could completely change the personnel chess match for Klint Kubiak's offense against the Saints defense. Then we take a look at the Raiders defense. Rookie safety Treydan Stukes is officially OUT, creating a potentially important matchup against Tyler Shough and a Saints passing attack that's been extremely effective attacking safeties. Plus, can Maxx Crosby and the Raiders' pass rush get to Shough quickly enough to disrupt one of the NFL's hottest young quarterbacks? Then Matt Perrault of Pushing the Odds joins us for another edition of Raiders Rounders to break down Raiders vs. Saints, the Week 3 numbers and projections, plus the biggest games around the AFC West and NFL. On today's show: - 🏴‍☠️ The latest on Brock Bowers - ♟️ How Bowers could change Klint Kubiak's personnel packages - 💪 Why 12 and 13 personnel could be crucial against New Orleans - 🚨 Why losing Treydan Stukes matters in THIS matchup - 👀 The Raiders' options at safety - 💥 Maxx Crosby and the Raiders pass rush vs. Tyler Shough - 🧠 Why Vegas may need to change its pressure plan - 🎰 Raiders Rounders with Matt Perrault - 📊 Raiders vs. Saints Week 3 projections - 🏈 Week 3 picks from around the AFC West and NFL QUESTION OF THE DAY: Who wins this weekend and why? The Raiders or the Saints? Make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for Raiders news, analysis, game previews, postgame reaction, and firsthand coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Silver-Black-Sports-Network-61563125927573/ #Raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersVsSaints #BrockBowers #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  3. 4d ago

    Are the Raiders Actually Good? We're About to Find Out

    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 are 2-0 — but are they actually good? We're about to find out. Week 3 brings a major test as the Raiders head to New Orleans to take on a Saints team that looks much tougher than expected through the first two weeks of the season. Longtime Saints reporter Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football joins Jesse Merrick to go inside the matchup and break down what the Raiders are REALLY up against in New Orleans. How dangerous has Tyler Shough become? Can the Raiders' pass rush take advantage of an injury on the Saints' offensive line? How will New Orleans try to handle Brock Bowers if he makes his season debut? And can Klint Kubiak get Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders' rushing attack going again? Plus, we dive into Chris Olave, Brandon Staley's Saints defense and the matchups that could ultimately decide Raiders vs. Saints. On today's show: - 🏴‍☠️ Are the 2-0 Raiders actually a good football team? - 🎯 What Tyler Shough is doing so well - 💥 Raiders pass rush vs. an injured Saints offensive line - 👀 How New Orleans could attack the Raiders' secondary - 🔥 The challenge of slowing down Chris Olave - ♟️ How Brandon Staley has changed the Saints defense - 💪 How the Saints could try to defend Brock Bowers - 🏃 Can Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders' run game bounce back? - 🔑 The biggest keys to a Raiders win in New Orleans QUESTION OF THE DAY: What matchup are YOU watching most closely in Raiders vs. Saints? Make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for Raiders news, analysis, game previews, postgame reaction, and firsthand coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Silver-Black-Sports-Network-61563125927573/ #Raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersVsSaints #LasVegasRaiders #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  4. 5d ago

    Are the Raiders About to Get A LOT More Interesting?

    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 are 2-0 — and they may be about to get Brock Bowers back. So what happens when you add one of the NFL's most dangerous tight ends to a Klint Kubiak offense that's already averaging 26.5 points per game without him? Jesse Merrick and former Raiders WR Ryan Hoag break down what's REALLY working for the Raiders through two weeks, why Kirk Cousins and the offensive line deserve more credit, and how Rob Leonard's defense has become one of the most disruptive units in football. Then we dive deep into Brock Bowers and what his potential return could unlock for Kubiak — from 12 and 22 personnel to how defenses may have to change the way they play Las Vegas. Plus, it's time to look ahead to Raiders vs. Saints in Week 3. New Orleans presents a much different challenge, and this could be the game that tells us a lot more about just how good this Raiders team really is. On today's show: - 🏴‍☠️ Why the Raiders are 2-0 - 🎯 What's working for Kirk Cousins and the offense - 🧱 Why the Raiders' offensive tackles deserve more credit - 🔥 Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker & a disruptive Raiders defense - 🧠 What Rob Leonard is doing differently - ⚠️ The biggest concern with the Raiders' run game - 💪 How Brock Bowers could change Klint Kubiak's offense - ♟️ Why Brock could force defenses into difficult personnel decisions - ⚜️ The biggest Raiders vs. Saints matchups to watch - 👀 Why Week 3 could be the Raiders' biggest test yet QUESTION OF THE DAY: Which Raiders player has impressed you the most through the first two weeks of the season — and why? Make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for Raiders news, analysis, game previews, postgame reaction, and firsthand coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Silver-Black-Sports-Network-61563125927573/ #Raiders #RaiderNation #BrockBowers #LasVegasRaiders #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  5. Sep 21

    The Raiders Are 2-0... And They're Winning in a Totally Different Way

    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 and Chargers just wrapped up their Week 2 AFC West showdown at SoFi Stadium, and we're LIVE breaking down everything that happened. Jesse Merrick is live from SoFi Stadium and joined by former Raiders wide receiver Ryan Hoag for instant reaction, analysis, and takeaways from Raiders vs. Chargers. We'll break down the biggest moments, performances and decisions that shaped the game, including what we saw from Klint Kubiak's Raiders offense and Rob Leonard's defense against Justin Herbert and the Chargers. QUESTION OF THE DAY: What was your biggest takeaway from Raiders vs. Chargers? Drop it in the live chat and comments — we'll be reacting to what Raider Nation has to say throughout the show. 👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to the Silver & Black Sports Network for Raiders news, analysis, postgame reaction and firsthand coverage from Raiders HQ throughout the 2026 season. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: / silver-black-sports-network-61563125927573 #Raiders #RaiderNation #LasVegasRaiders #Chargers #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  6. Sep 19

    Brock Bowers Update + 2 Matchups That Could Decide Raiders vs. Chargers

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Brock Bowers is back at Raiders practice, but will he actually play against the Chargers? Plus, there are two matchups that could go a LONG way toward deciding Sunday's AFC West battle in Los Angeles. Jesse Merrick breaks down the latest Raiders injury news heading into Week 2, including Bowers' return to practice and what comes next after the star tight end was officially listed as doubtful against the Chargers. Darien Porter has also been ruled OUT, leaving the Raiders with a decision at cornerback opposite Eric Stokes. Jesse breaks down why rookie Hezekiah Masses could get the first opportunity and how Jermod McCoy could factor into the equation. Then we dive into two Raiders-Chargers matchups to watch closely on Sunday. On today's show: 🏴‍☠️ Brock Bowers returns to Raiders practice 🩺 What Bowers' doubtful designation means for Sunday 🏈 Who replaces Darien Porter at cornerback? ♟️ Can Michael Mayer and Jack Bech challenge Derwin James? ⚡ How Vegas can test Chargers rookie center, Jake Slaughter 🏃 Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton projections 🏈 Week 2 picks from around the NFL Then Matt Perrault from Pushing the Odds joins us for another edition of Raiders Rounders, breaking down Raiders vs. Chargers from a betting perspective, the Week 2 totals, player projections, and some of his favorite plays from around the NFL. QUESTION OF THE DAY: Who wins on Sunday, and why? Drop your answer in the comments! Make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for Raiders news, analysis, game previews, postgame reaction, and firsthand coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook:    / silver-black-sports-network-61563125927573   #Raiders #RaiderNation #LasVegasRaiders #Chargers #BrockBowers #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  7. Sep 17

    Raiders vs. Chargers Preview: Did Week 1 Expose the Chargers?

    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 are 1-0. The Chargers are coming off a surprising Week 1 loss. So how does Las Vegas ACTUALLY match up with LA heading into Week 2? Jesse Merrick is joined by CBS Los Angeles Sports Anchor and Chargers Weekly Podcast host Chris Hayre to break down the Raiders' Week 2 matchup with Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers entered the season with high expectations for Herbert, Mike McDaniel, and RB Omarion Hampton, but their offense struggled to find a rhythm in Week 1 against Arizona. Now the Raiders get their first AFC West test of the Klint Kubiak era. Jesse and Chris dig into what actually went wrong for Los Angeles, which problems could carry over into Week 2, and where the Raiders may have opportunities to attack this Chargers defense. On today's show: ⚡ What REALLY went wrong for the Chargers in Week 1 🏈 Raiders vs. Chargers: Who has the edge on the ground? 🏃 Ashton Jeanty vs. Omarion Hampton 🎯 How Kirk Cousins can attack the Chargers' defense 📊 Why LA's man coverage struggled badly in Week 1 ♟️ Can Michael Mayer create problems for Derwin James? 💪 The battle between the Raiders OL and Chargers pass rush 🚑 Why Ladd McConkey's status could change the matchup 🔑 The biggest keys for Las Vegas to start the season 2-0 QUESTION OF THE DAY: What matchup do YOU have circled heading into Raiders vs. Chargers? Drop your answer in the comments! Make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for Raiders news, analysis, game previews, postgame reaction, and firsthand coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Silver-Black-Sports-Network-61563125927573/ #Raiders #RaiderNation #LasVegasRaiders #Chargers #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  8. Sep 17

    Why the Raiders' New Offense Is So Hard to Defend

    Sign up for PrizePicks with code HMA and get $150 in lineups if your first $5 lineup wins! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Klint Kubiak has already made some BIG changes to the Raiders offense, and the numbers from Week 1 show just how different this unit looks. Jesse Merrick and former Raiders WR Ryan Hoag dive into the analytics behind the Raiders' new-look offense and explain how Kubiak's use of heavy personnel, condensed formations and the running game is creating stress for opposing defenses. The Raiders used 21 personnel at their highest rate of the Next Gen Stats era in Week 1 while also lining up in their tightest formations over that same span. So why does it matter? Jesse and Ryan explain what those formations force a defense to do, why heavy personnel is making a comeback across the NFL, and how Kubiak is building his offense around the strengths of this Raiders roster. On today's show: 🧠 The biggest changes Klint Kubiak has made to the Raiders offense 📊 Why the Raiders are leaning heavily into 21 personnel 🏈 How condensed formations put stress on a defense 🏃 Why Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders RB room are central to the approach 💪 Why heavy personnel is making a comeback around the NFL ♟️ How Kubiak is forcing defenses to adjust 🚑 The latest on Brock Bowers 🦅 Maxx Crosby's approach to having his snaps managed ⚡ Early things to watch against Justin Herbert and the Chargers QUESTION OF THE DAY: Where have YOU noticed the biggest difference in the Raiders offense under Klint Kubiak? Drop your answer in the comments! Make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for Raiders news, analysis, game previews, postgame reaction, and firsthand coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. 📬 Subscribe to the FREE Silver & Black Sports Network Newsletter at SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com. Follow SBSN: X: / jessesbsn Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Silver-Black-Sports-Network-61563125927573/ #Raiders #RaiderNation #LasVegasRaiders #KlintKubiak #NFL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.