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[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders fans want a cornerback added

Pete Carroll | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

It’s been a need all offseason

The Las Vegas Raiders’ need to add a cornerback has bene a topic throughout the offseason and it still is.

They have visited with and been rumored to have interest in multiple veterans at the position and yet nothing has developed.

So, we asked our community members if they would be fine if the Raiders don’t add a cornerback soon.

The results are clear: Fans want to see Las Vegas general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll add another player at the position for the season. In our poll, 62 percent of the voters want to see the Raiders sign a cornerback, while 38 think the team will be fine with their current group of corners.

I get the reason why this poll went the way it did.

Las Vegas has signed Erick Stokes in free agency and drafted Darien Porter n the third round. They are the current favorites to start on the outside during the regular season. They also have Darnay Holmes, Jakorian Bennett, Decamerion Richardson, Sam Webb and Ky Blu Kelly.

They can use some more depth there and the good thing is, there is time for it to happen.

Here are some of your responses. Sign up and go to the comments section.

Nunchucks
With the new and improved Raiders front office and scouting department... I am super confident that Spy is going to add a couple of quality free agents at CB and another DL, OL, Safety or WR before the season starts...preferably around the beginning of training camp...He says it's a constant process and he is patiently waiting for the right players to become available like roster cuts due to salary cap issues or for existing free agents that are done bargaining for a contract...need a team and finally are ready to sign their deals...Spy and his scouting department are not done yet Nation!...It's just getting started..."We are always looking for players that can improve the team"...John Spytek
jdg3
even if we get guys that step up as starters, we don't have much depth. Adding a vet would be a good idea.
My hope is JB and Porter end up earning the outside spots as they will be here beyond this year. Slot is an issue
enufizenuf
100% no, Has to be top priority. Right now our biggest need. PFF just named us dead last for cornerbacks and I agree. Even though Jones sucked, I think wiith the departure of him and Hobbs we're way worse off than last year, not to mention the continued injury problems of Wilkins. Patrick Graham has totally failed to produce good pass coverage, so why should this year be different, especially with diminished talent.​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/7/16/24465888/raiders-needs-cornerback-2025-season-preview

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

2025 Raiders practice squad tracker

The Las Vegas Raiders will likely begin to compile their 16-player practice squad later this afternoon after the waiver claim dust settles.

This is your place to find all the latest practice squad news that involves the Silver and Black. Check back often.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ws/107553/raiders-practice-squad-tracker-2025

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Claim your spot in Silver and Black Pride’s Pick’em competition!

The regular season is right around the corner and that means the annual Silver and Black Pride Pick’em competition is back by popular demand!

For those who are unaware, this is one of the best community-building activities we do here at S&BP, as you get to compete against our writers and other Las Vegas Raiders fans to see who can correctly predict the outcome of every game during the 2025 NFL season. To clarify, you’ll be picking straight winners (moneyline picks for my gambling folks), so no spreads are involved.

The contest will start on Week 1 of the regular season (Thursday, Sept. 4) and ends with the Super Bowl, but sign-ups are open now! If you want to participate this year, act quickly as the group is limited to just 100 participants and the steps to register are below.

Sign-up steps:​

1. Go to football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/pickem or click this link
2. Click the ‘Join a Group’ button at about the middle of the page (you may need to make a Yahoo account if you don’t already have one)
3. On the right side of the screen where it says ‘Join Private Group’, enter 16789 as the GROUP ID# and Raiders25 as the PASSWORD and click the ‘Join Group’ button

Then, you can get a jump start on your picks for the season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles!

One note, please only sign up if you plan on making picks throughout the season. As mentioned above, we have limited spots available, so please don’t take a spot from someone else if you’re not going to have the time to make picks every week.

We’ll provide a weekly post on the site throughout the season with updates on the standings so you can see how you’re stacking up against the competition. We look forward to continuing this tradition and remember to sign up soon to reserve your spot!

For those who are returning from last year, this is your chance to take down the 2024 co-champions, Bodega Bay Raider and Running With the Night, and those two have unfinished business to break their tie.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...raiders-silver-black-pride-pickem-competition

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raider Nation is all in Geno Smith Throwing 30 TDs

The Las Vegas Raiders put together their final 53-man roster on Tuesday and are ready for Week 1. The Raiders appear to be an offense-heavy football team, lacking star power on the defensive side outside of Maxx Crosby. It could lead to explosive action that will have Raider Nation excited and frustrated.

The Raiders’ addition of Amari Cooper on Tuesday displays the depth of weapons on the roster. It could lead to a big year for new quarterback Geno Smith, who is 27-22 the last three seasons as a starter.

In this week’s SB Nation Reacts, we ask Raider Nation, will Geno Smith throw more than 30 touchdowns? Raider Nation is all in on the team’s passing game, with 71% of fans believing Smith will throw more than 30 touchdowns.

If the offensive line can become one of the best in the league, Smith will be comfortable for the first time in years. It will allow you to navigate in Chip Kelly’s QB-friendly offense and excel at a high level. If it all comes together, the majority of Raider Nation will be right.

Check out all the odds and bets for the NFL at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...r-nation-is-all-in-geno-smith-throwing-30-tds

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Remaining roster questions after cutdown day, who are starting cornerbacks?

The Las Vegas Raiders have their initial 53-man roster set after the NFL’s cutdown day on Tuesday. However, there are still several questions on the Raiders’ depth chart heading into the season opener against the New England Patriots, especially on defense.

Starting Cornerbacks​

Eric Stokes seems like a lock to start, which raises questions on its own since the free-agent signing got benched by the Green Bay Packers last season. Regardless, Stokes was a mainstay with the first team defense in Las Vegas this summer, and the bigger mystery is: Who will be lining up on the other side of him?

Ideally, rookie Darien Porter will take over that role sooner rather than later. But the third-round pick was viewed as a project coming out of Iowa State and didn’t appear ready for action during the preseason. That points to Kyu Blu Kelly getting the nod, as he had a strong showing against the Seattle Seahawks before a tougher performance versus the San Francisco 49ers and suffering an injury at the end of training camp.

The dark horse in this race is Decamerion Richardson, who surrendered just two catches (three targets) for 18 yards in all three preseason games, per Pro Football Focus.

Nickelback​

Staying within the secondary, who will be covering the slot for the Silver and Black has been a big question since Nate Hobbs left for Green Bay in the offseason.

Darnay Holmes has the most nickelback experience of the team’s cornerbacks, but the six-year pro has been below average for his entire career. The coaching staff has toyed with the idea of putting safety Jeremy Chinn at nickel, which could be a good strategy against tight ends. However, the free-agent signing lacks some short-area quickness to cover shifty slot receivers.

Another safety, newly acquired Tristin McCollum, could fill this role since that’s what he played in college. The problem is that McCollum just joined the team and has primarily been a free safety during his limited time in the pros. Also, his slot coverage snaps in college came at the FCS level.

All of this being said, it seems like the coaching staff’s plan is to go with a more “old school” approach and use a lot of base personnel, meaning three linebackers and four defensive backs (two outside corners and two safeties). That would minimize the nickelback’s importance in the defense, as it would turn into more of a sub-package role in passing situations.

Still, the team will want to have a quality slot corner in coverage, and that leads to questions about the linebacker rotation.

Linebacker Rotation​

Las Vegas has a collection of solid to good run-defending linebackers, headlined by Elandon Roberts and Germaine Pratt. Hopefully, converted safety Jamal Adams can help solve that problem. Historically, Adams has been better as a run defender and blitzer, though. Also, similar to Chinn, the former Seahawk isn’t known for his quickness and change-of-direction skills to cover slot receivers.

Looking at the bigger picture on the second level of the Raiders’ defense, it will also be interesting to see how the coaching staff rotates projected role players (assuming Roberts and Pratt are the two starters) Adams, Devin White, Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Lindenberg.

The latter two are younger guys who likely won’t see the field much, but the two older guys are expected to be contributors. White can at least serve as an off-ball blitzer, if he isn’t a first-stringer when the team is in base personnel.

Free Safety​

Especially if Patrick Graham and Co. are going to use a lot of base formations, who the defense’s free safeties are is going to be important to give the linebackers help over the top in coverage and prevent explosive plays. That requires a deep safety great sideline-to-sideline range—i.e., Earl Thomas when Pete Carroll was in Seattle—or could mean a lot of two-high coverages, which is a potential issue for the Raiders.

Isaiah Pola-Mao and Chris Smith II both clocked 40-yard dash times above 4.5 seconds (4.62 for Smith), and neither is known for being ranging in coverage. McCollum ran a 4.48 at Sam Houston State’s pro day, which is a decent time, but not the elite mark to cover both sides of the field. He can make up for that with good instincts, but that’s hard to do, seeing as he needs to learn the defense first.

When it comes to split safety coverages, Chinn is someone who can help take away the deep half occasionally. However, he’s best when in the box, so leaning heavily on two-high looks would take him out of what he does best.

With that, it will be interesting to see what Graham does on the backend of the defense to begin the campaign.

Defensive Tackle Rotation​

Heading into the campaign, Adam Butler is the only sure-fire starter at defensive tackle for the Silver and Black. It feels like the other spot is still up for grabs, where Jonah Laulu and Thomas Booker IV are battling for the job. Also, Leki Fotu was a bit of a surprise to make the roster after missing the first two preseason games and good chunk of training camp with an injury. Still, he’s expected to serve as the team’s nose tackle.

That could push Fotu into a first-string role ahead of Laulu and Booker if Graham goes with more even fronts. Additionally, there’s a chance Butler, Fotu and Laulu/Booker all are starters if the defense leans on odd fronts, and Tyree Wilson could factor into the mix there as well. Not to mention, Wilson is expected to see some reps on the inside in passing situations.

Finally, there’s a question of how much playing time rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues will get this fall.

Swing Tackle​

Switching to the other side of the ball, the Raiders moved on from Thayer Munford Jr. after cutdown day, which was justified given his awful preseason performance. However, Munford’s replacement is Stone Forsythe, who has posted below-average PFF grades in each of the last three seasons with the Seahawks and just got cut by the New York Giants.

Carroll likely brought on Forsythe due to their familiarity, but the swing tackle spot is still a potential issue for the Silver and Black.

2nd & 3rd Wide Receiver​

The front office seems adamant that it isn’t going to trade Jakobi Meyers despite his recent request, and tight end Brock Bowers is going to be the focal point of the offense’s passing game, reducing the significance of the second and third wide receivers on the depth chart. However, who steps up and takes on those roles is still a question mark, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Meyers.

Tre Tucker is in line for a breakout performance to become the WR2 in Las Vegas, but Tucker still has to prove himself. Meanwhile, rookies Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech will be getting their feet wet in the NFL this year.

On the other end of the spectrum, how much veteran Amari Cooper has left in the tank is up in the air since he’s coming off the least productive season of his career with 44 catches, 547 yards and four touchdowns while battling injuries and playing for two teams. That’s on top of Cooper joining the team late and having no chemistry with quarterback Geno Smith.

2nd Running Back​

Similar to receiver, rookie Ashton Jeanty is expected to carry the majority of the load in the Raiders’ backfield this season. But running back is a position where depth is very important, especially with a first-year player leading the way.

The coaching staff listed Zamir White or Raheem Mostert as the backup running back behind Jeanty during training camp, and it’s still not clear who won that job. To be fair, White and Mostert are completely different styles of runners, where the former could take the short yardage/downhill carries, while the latter is the speed back/perimeter runner.

However, those two are also coming off bad seasons where they battled injuries and had disappointing production. White played in eight games (five starts), recording 183 rushing yards (2.8 ypc) and one touchdown, and Mostert logged 13 games (one start) with 278 yards (3.3 ypc) and two scores on the ground in 2024.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...er-cutdown-day-questions-starting-cornerbacks

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Communication critical for Raiders

A pivot at the pivot.

Trying saying that 10 times fast.

While it was assumed second-year offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson would assume the mantle as the center on the Las Vegas Raiders offensive line, head coach Pete Carroll and his coaching staff decided otherwise. Through offseason competition, which some viewed as fugazi, Jordan Meredith is the man in the middle while Powers-Johnson shifts over to right guard.

Rimington Trophy, be damned!, apparently. (The Dave Rimington Trophy is bestowed upon the best center in all of college football which Powers-Johnson won in his final season with the Oregon Ducks.)

But just because a prospect wins a coveted collegiate honor, it doesn’t necessarily mean that translates to the pros. Powers-Johnson — taken with the 44th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — is one example of this. So is teammate and safety Trey Taylor, who won the Jim Thorpe Award (given to the best collegiate defensive back) in 2023, and was waived during initial cut down to the 53-man roster and is now on Las Vegas’ practice squad.

Perhaps we should’ve seen the shift up front a lot earlier than when it became clear Meredith, a 27-year-old undrafted free agent, supplanted the 22-year-old Powers-Johnson at the pivot. Since his arrival, Carroll has consistently preached communication being vital for his Raiders. And that’s apparently the biggest difference between Meredith and Powers-Johnson.

#Raiders' Jordan Meredith said the coaches went up to him during the offseason-OTA's and said 'we want to see you at center.' He admitted he "definitley made mistakes" but is relishing the opportunity to continue to grow.

— Anthony Galaviz (@agalaviz_TheBee) August 13, 2025

“He’s a good player, and he communicates, and he plays hard, man. He’s a good athlete, really strong. And we’re always talking too,” Raiders veteran guard Alex Cappa, who had been at right guard next to Meredith before Powers-Johnson took the reins at the position, said of the Raiders new center. “We come off to the sideline and we’re talking about the previous play. And I like the guys that are engaged like that, that you can really discuss and make sure you are seeing things the same way.”

Cappa, who is now a reserve lineman, said that in late July. And two weeks later, left guard Dylan Parham reiterated Meredith’s ability to bark out the adjustments and get his fellow lineman all on the same page as the standout item.

“He’s a great communicator, man. So, I mean, he communicates, he tells you exactly what you need to do. He makes it very simplistic for everybody else on the offense line to get to where we need to go,” Parham explained. “So that’s something that you want to look for in a center. Just understanding the defense, understanding what it is that we’re trying to do as offense, and then being able to play fast. He’s done a great job of it so far.”

Meredith himself had a hilarious take on his ability to talk to his fellow linemen and be a conduit of communication in the all-important trenches.

“Yeah, I was told the quarterback’s the president and the center is the vice president,” Meredith noted. “I think there is a lot of communication involved. Anytime that you get a bunch of people working together, you got to communicate and be on the same page, whether it’s pass or run. So getting the calls out quick and decisive and not hesitating and just going with what the right call is, that helps everybody else out and getting the play going.”

#Raiders HC Pete Carroll said Jackson Powers-Johnson — who primarily played center as a rookie and in college — will be the team’s starting RG. That’s how they lined up most of camp, and it will stick.

Jordan Meredith will be the starting center. pic.twitter.com/VnzZc6VpQn

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 24, 2025

Thus, it’ll be steady Meredith at center Week 1 with Powers-Johnson taking his brute force nature to right guard as the group of Kolton Miller (left tackle), Parham (left guard), Meredith, Powers-Johnson, and DJ Glaze (right tackle) are who Carroll and his staff identified as the best five offensive linemen.

Meredith has plenty or prove — same with Powers-Johnson — but unlike his younger teammate, there’s financial and long-term security are also on the line. As an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, Meredith had no choice but to sign the qualifying offer — a one-year, $1.03 million deal — and when this pact is done, he’s a restricted free agent next offseason. The Western Kentucky product is able to negotiate with other teams then, but the Raiders have “right of first refusal” and can match any offer sheet from other squads.

Yet, Meredith must showcase he’s worthy of a heftier contract in terms of length and money. For Powers-Johnson, if his eyes are indeed set on being a center for the Raiders, gaining and refining the ability to communicate is paramount.

Not Just On Offense​

Effective communication is a trait that the Raiders want in all three phases of the game: Offense, defense, and special teams.

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham spoke glowingly of free agent addition and safety Jeremy Chinn’s ability to talk to his fellow defensive backs noting, “… him being able to communicate what he’s seeing out there. Not keeping it a secret, helping his fellow players out there.” Graham wants his defense to be noisy pre-snap and physical post snap.

For Carroll, with comprehensive communication comes all-important confidence.

“We just need to keep doing it. And the conversation that they have back there gives the guy next to them
confidence that he right and he doesn’t have to be second thinking, am I right?,” Carroll explained. “Am I doing the right thing? What am I supposed to be doing here? That’s what the communication allows us to get to that confidence level so we can execute really well.”

Veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts — the oldest in the room at 31 years old and expected to be a starter — broke it down even further. Along with being more realistic about where Las Vegas is in terms of communication.

“But week to week, we have to be able to grow communication wise. And that’s even going to be all the way into the season. When you really want your communication at a height is in the fourth quarter of the season because by that point, you’ve seen it all, so you know from a backer, from a safety standpoint, ‘Hey, look, we’ve been getting a lot of this. Hey, teams have been attacking us this way, ‘because it’s a copycat league,” Roberts said. “So one team attacks you a certain way, and they have success, the other team’s going to do it. So then the next week, we need to heighten that communication from that standpoint.

“So that’s why I always say real football doesn’t really start until after Thanksgiving because that’s when you’ve seen it all, and you need to make sure your defense is on the height of the communication standpoint of it.”

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...art/108258/communication-critical-for-raiders

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Will new kickoff rule create more action?

The dynamic kickoff is here to stay.

After seeing the new form of the free kick in 2024, NFL owners approved to make the change permanent in 2025. But with an interesting wrinkle: The dead ball spot after a touchback is now the 35-yard line.

This is all to promote more returns this coming season an beyond.

Giving the opposing offense the ball at the 35-yard line by either blasting the kickoff out of the end zone or missing the landing zone — on paper — looks like quite the deterrent for the kicking team. Nary a squad is going to put their defense behind the eight ball from the jump … right?

Las Vegas Raiders special teams coordinator Tom McMahon is certainly of that notion.

“Personally, I think you’re going to cover probably all of them when you go into the season,” McMahon began when asked how many more kickoff returns we’ll see this season. “It’s hard to give up the 35-yard line on a touchback when last year the average drive start was the 30. So, it’s hard to walk in and say, ‘Hey we’re just going to give five yards.‘ I can’t tell you exactly how many, but I would say pretty much most of them guys are going to try to cover.”

Are you ready for some football?@TroyVincentSr is here to walk you through some of the updates to rules for the 2025 @NFL season. First up, the Dynamic Kickoff. pic.twitter.com/T0RUBCwxIG

— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) August 7, 2025

McMahon, who enters his fourth season as the Silver & Black special teams boss, is a very big fan of the rule change and making the dynamic kickoff permanent. In his mind, it allows several Raiders to get in on the action as special teams work encompasses all the fundamentals of the game from blocking and tackling.

“I love the rule. And the big thing is, our special teams players now, they’ve got to work every single play,” McMahon explained. “There is going to be a tackle, you’ve got to block somebody every single play. So, at the end of the season, you’re going to have guys with 20 tackles on kickoff. And last year, we covered I think like 27,28. You get that up near the 70s and your special teams players’ value skyrockets, and they want to play. They’re football players, they want to make plays.

“Same thing on kickoff returns, they want to block. And your returner value skyrockets. Last year you’ve got 20 returns, this year that player has 70. I don’t know in the league who gets 70 touches before the season starts. That kick returner is guaranteed more touches, other than your half backs.”

In 2024, Las Vegas ranked fifth overall with a healthy 29.6 yards per return average on kickoffs, according to Pro Football Reference. Which is merits attention as the Raiders only had 23 return attempts last season which is the 26th least out of the 32 squads.

Flip it over to kickoff return coverage, and McMahon’s group ranked tops in the league limiting opponents to an average of 23.8 yards per return (25 total returns for 596 yards, good for 10th least kickoff yards allowed). Thus, the Raiders coverage units fared well this past season.

With the Dynamic Kickoff now a permanent rule, you have to consider how it affects the totality of the game. @TroyVincentSr walks you through the updates to overtime rules for the 2025 @NFL season. pic.twitter.com/nDQO9X2jm8

— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) August 7, 2025

The man who is the focal point of the kickoffs remains the same: Daniel Carlson. The 30-year-old kicker enters his eighth season in the league and finished middle of the pack in terms of limiting touchbacks in the first year of the dynamic kickoff rules with 51 (80 total kickoffs).

While he’s showcased his big leg since arriving onto the NFL scene as a fifth-round pick (167th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, the Auburn product will get to blend his power with accuracy when booting the ball to start the action. Power to send the ball into orbit with hang time. And accuracy to drop it into the desired spot.

“Probably location. Probably just making sure you’re not giving them free yards where if you pop it to them on the 10-yard line, we’re starting when they catch the ball,” Carlson said when asked what’s the important thing on kickoffs now. “And so, if you give them 10 extra yards where they’re just starting at the 10-yard line instead of the goal line, that’s kind of the hang time equation nowadays. So, at a certain point, it’s location on where the ball is placed whether it’s the corners, the middle, deep, short, whatever it is, you got to kind of be more precise nowadays.”

Carlson also noted he’s putting an onus on hangtime and location as he doesn’t want returners to be able to build up steam and get a running start to field his kicks. He wants them stationary and waiting for the ball to arrive to allow his coverage unit the time to limit returns.

Long Island’s Dylan Laube with a 59-yard kick return to start the game for the Raiders

pic.twitter.com/dxLx9Z0ZP3

— Greater Long Island (@Greater_LI) November 24, 2024

In terms of the return game, it’ll be interesting to see who McMahon and the Raiders earmark for that job when the team opens its 2025 regular season campaign on the road against the New England Patriots next Sunday. Veteran running back Ameer Abdullah, who signed the San Francisco 49ers and was released earlier this month, notched nine returns (for 296 yards) to pace the Raiders return unit last season.

During Las Vegas’ preseason tilts, speedy wide receiver Tre Tucker was listed as the kick returner on depth charts. Running back Dylan Laube also made the 53-man roster and returned six kickoffs for 164 yards. Running back Chris Collier, who is on the practice squad, also has special teams experience and fielded two kickoffs in 2024.

Giving Tucker or Laube the opportunity to showcase their return ability will give them more opportunities outside their standard role as receiver and tailback, respectively.

But we’ll see soon enough if new dead ball spot of the 35-yard line dissuades teams from simply blasting the ball into or out of the end zone. The NFL thought the rule change last year would trigger more action, however, as the season wore on and fatigue and injuries took its toll, teams simply said forget it and opted for touchbacks, instead.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...8263/will-new-kickoff-rule-create-more-action

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Booth vs. sideline: Does it matter for Patrick Graham?

When situations are dire or when his players need both correction and inspiration, Pete Carroll wants to be on the sideline and ready at a moment’s notice to look his Las Vegas Raiders in the eye.

The 73-year-old head coach, renowned for his communication and leadership style, is expecting the same from his coaching staff.

After spending time up on the booth with a bird’s eye view of the action the past two seasons for the Silver & Black, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is slated to roam the sideline with Carroll. This is what the Raiders head coach wants after the two coaches talked it out.

Carroll is a big believer in Graham’s ability to command the defensive room and having that direct communication with players is what Las Vegas lead man believes can make a difference in those critical, quick, high-pressure moments of a football game.

“Yeah, I have a little bit of input. Yeah, I have talked to Patrick through this. We talked through the offseason and wanted to try both. I really like him on the field. I like him down there,” Carroll explained on the shift for Graham. “He has a real command, and he has a real presence in the defensive room with all the position groups. And I think he lends to being able to connect the dots for the proper verbiage and terminology in a moment’s notice when you really got to be clear and succinct. I think he’s best when he can really look these guys in the eye and help on the sidelines. So he’ll stay there.”

#Raiders DC Patrick Graham, who has worked with three regimes the last three seasons, speaks highly of the positive culture Pete Carroll is building.

"It's a relationship business. With those relationships we build off the field, on the field, it makes it easier to communicate." pic.twitter.com/I75niekjXM

— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) July 27, 2025

Which beckons the question: Graham in the booth or on the sideline, does it matter?

We’ll get an answer to that query quickly when the Raiders open the 2025 regular season campaign on the road at the New England Patriots this coming Sunday. And that particular inquiry will likely be answered as Las Vegas progresses throughout the regular season.

But here’s an interesting item when it comes to Graham headed back to the sideline instead of in the booth: The man who made the decision for the defensive coordinator to go up to the eagle’s nest will be dialing up the plays for New England in the opener: Josh McDaniels.

The much maligned Raiders coach who compiled a 9-16 record between 2022 and 2023 — fired on Halloween — is back to his roots as the Patriots offensive coordinator. And it’ll be a battle of McDaniels vs. Graham this Sunday.

“We took a peek at it in the preseason and liked the way (Graham) was able to see everything,” McDaniels said in 2022. “They’re up there, they feel like they have a great birds-eye view of what’s going on. You can see things more in real time.”

Although it's worth noting that Patrick Graham is calling the Raiders defense, it seems like every time Josh McDaniels faces a Pete Carroll-style defense the running backs eat in the passing game.

Raiders RBs vs. Seattle in 2022: 9 catches, 113 yards, TD. pic.twitter.com/HkCeW2C1Tw

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) August 29, 2025

We can call out the myriad of misgivings when it comes to McDaniels, but the decision to put Graham up high to see the entire field was a fortuitous decision for Las Vegas, especially the 2023 season. That year, the Raiders defense ranked ninth out of 32 teams in points allowed — 331 total, 19.5 per game average — and 15th in total yards allowed (5,625).

That 2023 campaign was a quantum leap when compared to 2022, Graham’s first year orchestrating the Raiders defense under McDaniels. Las Vegas ranked 26th in points allowed — 418 total, 24.6 per game average — and 28th in yards allowed (6,216). This past season, Graham’s defense ranked 25th in points allowed — 434, 25.5 per game average — but 15th in yards yielded (5,663).

With a roster infused with newcomers — which is a mix of youth and inexperience along with veterans looking to rebound — expect there to be growing pains in Carroll’s inaugural season as the Raiders’ lead man. While the defense does boast elite edge rusher Maxx Crosby, there will be plenty on the shoulders of veteran defensive tackles Adam Butler and Leki Fotu, as well as veteran linebackers Elandon Roberts, Devin White, and Jamal Adams to help bring along a unit that is young in the secondary.

A clean bill of health and return to form from defensive end Malcolm Koonce this year (missed all of last season with a torn ACL) along with continued development from fellow edge rusher Tyree Wilson (the Raiders seventh overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a defender expected to slide inside to tackle in certain downs and distances) will help bolster the group. One that features rookie defensive tackles Tonka Hemingway (135th overall out of South Carolina) and JJ Pegues (180th overall out of Ole Miss) and rookie cornerback Darien Porter (68th overall pick out of Iowa State).

“It’s hard to be confident until you’ve really gone through it, so that’s the problem with playing rookies. I’ve never had an issue with that. I’ve always played young guys and helped them make it through it, and we’ll do much of the same with our guys now,” Carroll said when asked about his youthful secondary. “I think Eric Stokes has done a really good solid job of jumping in and owning his spot. (Safety) Jeremy (Chinn) has given us real stability, and really, Isaiah (Pola-Mao) has done a fine job of just picking up and taking this next step in his career. He’s had a lot of opportunity to be in leadership position on the back end and making calls and all of that, and he’s done really well.

“We’ve got really good competition over there on the other side and we’ll see how that works out by the end of the week, but we’ll keep it going. A number of guys will play in the game. You’ll see a lot of guys will be rolling through there.”

Thus, perhaps it’s a wise call from Carroll to have Graham on the sideline to look his defenders in the eye, provide correction, direction, and motivation this season.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...vs-sideline-does-it-matter-for-patrick-graham

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders open the season as underdogs vs. the New England Patriots.

The Las Vegas Raiders are about to play real football on Sunday. After a long offseason and a change in coaching staff, Raider Nation will get the chance to see their new look team in action.

Pete Carroll will make his coaching debut against the New England Patriots on the road. The game could be seen as a form of revenge for the Patriots’ offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels. He was fired mid-season in 2023 after struggling and losing the team’s locker room support.

Fanduel Sportsbook posted odds for all of the games opening week, and the Raiders are 2.5 underdogs against the New England Patriots with an O/U of 43.5.

A full slate of matchups this week to start NFL action. The biggest favorites for the upcoming games, according to Fanduel, are the Philadelphia Eagles -7.5 over the Dallas Cowboys.

Check out the opening odds below:

Raiders vs. Patriots

Moneyline: Patriots -144 Raiders +122

Opening point spread: -2.5

Opening point total: 43.5

For the full list of Week 1 opening odds around the league, visit our friends at Fanduel.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ason-as-underdogs-vs-the-new-england-patriots

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

2024 vs 2025: Comparing the Raiders Defense

I previously broke down the Raiders 2024 and 2025 differences on offense. This time around on defense, the Raiders may not be as fortunate. The team upgraded their offensive heavily, defensively things were the focal point of criticism this off-season. New head coach Pete Carroll has a track record of elite defenses from his time at USC and obviously with the Seahawks. The Raiders and Patrick Graham have had their ups and downs but hopefully 2025 can be the year things click, but development looms big:

* Note: Basing majority of the grading for upgrade/downgrade/push off players who played majority (50%+) snaps in 2024. While injuries happen, the rosters impact doesn’t change *

EDGE Rushers: Push-sorta?​

• Additions: Malcolm Koonce (return from ACL injury), Brennan Jackson
• Subtractions: K’Lavon Chaisson, Andre Carter II, Janarius Robinson

Can I start by saying the whole defense has a world of confusion going on with it, and the EDGE position is no different. When you really sit down and break things down, there’s not a ton of change in the position between 2024 and 2025. The biggest change is simply the return of Malcolm Koonce. Koonce was coming off a strong 2023 season where he logged 51 pressures and 10 sacks. The Raiders were banking on Koonce in 2024 before he suffered a torn ACL ending his season before it began. In stepped Tyree Wilson and K’Lavon Chaisson. Wilson logged 37 pressures (good for 2nd on the team), 4.5 sacks, and a 10% win rate along with 27 tackles and 6 TFL. Las Vegas is banking on a big season from Wilson, who will likely rotate in with Malcolm Koonce to give Koonce the ability to stay fresh off his injury. Chaisson was notable for Las Vegas logging 29 pressures, a 12.8% win rate, 5 sacks, 7 TFL, an INT, and FF in his 15 games. Maxx Crosby will also be fully healthy in 2025, which of course is a huge step forward.

Las Vegas did retain Charles Snowden, who was alright in 2024 with 16 pressures, a 7.3% win rate, and 1.5 sacks. The Raiders also brought in former Rams 5th rounder Brennan Jackson as a bottom of the room depth piece. Jackson didn’t play significant snaps in 2024 but posted 3 sacks, a 16% win rate, and 5 pressures this preseason. After the loss of Chaisson, the rest is worth noting but not reading into much. Las Vegas may regret not retaining Chaisson, who played well when called upon as a third pass rusher. They like what they have in Snowden and Jackson provides a boost. The development of Tyree Wilson along with Crosby and Koonce being healthy do make the room a push instead of a downgrade, but a lot needs to go correct or the Raiders are really just running a three man front at EDGE.

The #Raiders have claimed LB Brennan Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams. During the preseason, Jackson (6-4, 263) recorded three sacks. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/C5o9E1fT92

— Dan Loya (@DLoya_NFL) August 27, 2025

Interior Defensive Line: Lean Downgrade, possibly I think?​

• Additions: JJ Pegues, Tonka Hemingway, Thomas Booker IV, Leki Fotu
• Subtractions: John Jenkins, Zach Carter, Matthew Butler, Nesta Jade Silvera
• Sorta Subtractions: Christian Wilkins

Honestly, I don’t know what to put here. They lost Christian Wilkins who prior to his injury was top ten in stops, and led the NFL in created sacks despite just nine pressures and 1.5 sacks of his own. The team expected to get Wilkins back but issue with his recovery and differences with the team resulted in the Raiders releasing him. Wilkins was undoubtably the teams 2nd best defensive player and his loss will be felt had he played all of last season. The truth is, Wilkins didn’t play much last year and that is a factor here. Las Vegas primarily ran their interior defensive line through Adam Butler who delivered with 5.5 sacks, 31 pressures, all while ranking top ten in PRSH win rate and RSTP win rate among defensive tackles last season. Alongside Butler, returns Jonah Laulu who in his rookie season did post 10 pressures, 3 TFL, and 8 stops but only a 2.2% win rate which signals towards his main ability as a depth guy and primary run defender. Las Vegas adds rookies JJ Pegues and Tonka Hemingway who both performed well in preseason finishing top 10 in win rate and pressures among rookie IDL. In week 2 Pegues led rookies in pressures, and Hemingway led the NFL in week 3 with 6. Las Vegas is relying on the two SEC standouts to perform in 2025 as part of their rotation. Both have shown traits to be a quality pass rush lineman, and both can play the run at a decent level though there is struggles too. The team traded for Thomas Booker IV from the Eagles, and Booker did have some flashes with Philadelphia in 2024 but he didn’t see the field much, again just another player in their rotation. Lastly, the team brought in Cardinals NT Leki Fotu who is the teams only true NT and despite not playing often during training camp and preseason with a foot injury, Fotu made the roster.

Las Vegas downgrades at NT losing veteran John Jenkins who had a decent season in 2024, after a “breakout” 2023. Jenkins didn’t provide much as a pass rusher but he did rank inside the top 10 for NT in stops and was 18th in run stop win rate. The losses of Zach Carter and Matthew Butler are worth noting as both played some meaningful snaps for the Raiders but they weren’t longterm guys much like Nesta Jade Silvera. Overall, the Raiders starting DL (without Wilkins) is exactly the same subbing Fotu for Jenkins. The depth massively improved adding three high potential young players in place of journeyman. Overall the room’s confusing, the starters outside Wilkins downgrade, thus the whole room does, however Wilkins didn’t play much as mentioned so is his loss really felt that much?

Adam Butler goes long arm/rip to collapse the pocket & pressure the QB! #PassRush #Raiders #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/PjiDedCW8F

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) September 18, 2024

Linebacker: Confused​

• Additions: Germaine Pratt, Elandon Roberts, Jamal Adams (still weird to say), Devin White, Cody Lindenberg
• Subtractions: Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo, Luke Masterson, Amari Burney, Amari Gainer

This one is something, the Raiders essentially redid their entire linebacker room, while that was necessary there is a lot in this position room that is being relied on rebound seasons or a ton of development. The biggest point is losing Robert Spillane, who logged nearly 1100 snaps last season with 51 stops, just a 5.85% missed tackle rate, while adding 158 tackles, 10 TFL, 7 PBU, 2 INT, and 2 sacks. Spillane was a force for the Raiders defense in both run defense and pass rush. Coverage wise, Spillane regressed from his 2023 season and did allow 572 yards and a 111 QBR. Regardless of the coverage deficiencies, Las Vegas is losing a key part of their defense. Spillane was top 10 in tackles, stops, and missed tackle rate. The Raiders also lose Divine Deablo, who while he never lived up to the draft hopes did turn in 65 tackles, four for loss, and a sack in 14 games last season while logging 689 snaps and allowing a 115.9 QBR in coverage. Deablo was a formidable third linebacker thrust into a starting role, but he’s still a loss for the sheer volume of snaps and his at times productive play in the run as well. Luke Masterson logged 102 snaps and fell off from his 2023 season, the loss isn’t felt much for the Raiders. Amari Burney logged 101 snaps and did show potential at times but nothing much.

Things get interesting here, Las Vegas went out and added veteran Germaine Pratt who is coming off a rather down year in Cincinnati, though the whole team was. Pratt numbers wise was still highly productive as the now 29 year old logged 143 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 INT, 6 PBU, 2 FF, 2 FR, and 53 stops while only missing 19 tackles. Pratt is a little above average in terms of his overall play, he’s best in the run and has shown the ability to be a strong coverage linebacker (67.8 QBR allowed in 2022 and 86.6 in 2023) he allowed three touchdowns and a 103.5 QBR in 2024 while also allowing 659 yards on a 79% completion rate. Pratt has to step it up in the pass game, he can fill in for some of the loss of Spillane in terms of run defense, but the coverage needs to go against regression or he’s going to be an issue in the middle of the defense. Elandon Roberts flat out can’t cover, that’s nothing that’s out of the blue. The former Steelers ILB however is an great run defender, posting 56 tackles, 5 TFL, and a sack in 2024 (101 tackles, 10 TFL, 2.5 sacks in 2023). Roberts is starting to age and at 31 does still show good movement skills and play in the run game, his coverage has gotten worse. While he’s likely to not post 100+ tackles, Roberts can give the Raiders 50-60% of their snaps and be a high quality run defender but the coverage is going to prevent him from playing often. Then comes Jamal Adams who played a grand total of 40 snaps last season after 518 in 2023 and just 15 in 2022. Adams is only 29 years old (turns 30 in October) but he’s looked good in camp and in preseason as well. The Raiders are banking on the transition to ILB working out for Adams and it has thus far in camp. It’s hard to really pinpoint how often the Raiders will play Adams, and with that how well he’ll play given that his 2023 season was not over the top impressive. Adams is a massive boom or bust player at ILB, and it’s hard to tell how much his impact will be felt.

Three paragraphs already, so I’ll try to keep this one short. The 27 year old Devin White is an interesting addition to the room. He’s 5’11 and just 230 pounds but White does have crazy athletic ability. The issues come with White’s issues in terms of defending the run, coverage, effort, and not missing tackles (essentially everything but blitzing, which he is really really really good at). The Eagles signed White last off-season, released him, and then he landed with the Texans to play as a reserve LB where in 7 games he logged 176 snaps and posted decent numbers with 19 tackles, a TFL, and allowed only 50 yards, a 69.4 QBR, and 61.5% comp rate on 13 targets. White struggled with everything I noted in Tampa Bay, he’s headed into his 7th season and there’s really no reason to think that’s going to change in Las Vegas. He’s now coached by Pete Carroll and Patrick Graham, who have a history of getting a lot out of rather mediocre ILB. White has great athletic traits, could be used in specific pass rush packages, but unless he takes massive strides as a run defender, tackler, and coverage player in one off-season it’s hard to see him as more than a gadget ILB. Lastly, Tommy Eichenberg is back, he’ll be a 4th man off the bench linebacker. Just a pure run defender and ST player, Eichenberg won’t play more than 150 snaps assuming injuries aren’t super bad. Rookie Cody Lindenberg is a nice depth option, he played well in preseason, has coverage traits, but overall is limited at times by his athleticism. He’s a good option off the bench and ST.

Jamal Adams looked natural at LB

1st play shedding a guard and making a TFL

2nd play what he does best which is blitz and force Lock out of the pocket and almost gets a sack. pic.twitter.com/0c2lPBEBBd

— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) August 11, 2025

Cornerback: Downgrade​

• Additions: Eric Stokes, Darien Porter, Kyu Blu Kelly
• Subtractions: Nate Hobbs, Jakorian Bennett, Jack Jones, Sam Webb

Just wrote three paragraphs about the linebacker position, so can’t imagine how many I’m going to write about the corners. Ok so long story short, the room is bad, BUTTTTT they have Pete Carroll and a bunch of freak athletes so who knows how that is going to turn out. That said, it’s bad, like worse in the NFL bad. Eric Stokes simply can’t stay healthy, but he has flashed at times for the Packers. Stokes allowed a 96.7 QBR last season, did get 2 PBU. Stokes had a great rookie season, allowing a 78.8 QBR and nabbing an interception and nine breakups but that was in 2021 and I was still a college freshman so a lot changes. Stokes struggled in preseason, did have some good plays in camp but overall he’s not more than a 2nd or 3rd CB and the Raiders are relying on him as their starter….. Rookie Darien Porter was a standout at Iowa State, but he’s 24 and played CB for 3 years so there’s that. Porter’s benefit is as an athlete there might genuinely be no one better in the NFL. After struggling in preseason (111.7 QBR allowed in just 7 targets), there’s not a full tank of hope in his magic jump to starting caliber rookie CB in 10 days. The best might be addition Kyu Blu Kelly, who’s played (checks notes) 34 snaps in 2023 and 2024 combined. Kelly did play at a good level in two preseason games, allowing 3 rec, 27 yards, and a 66.4 QBR while also adding 3 pass breakups. Kelly is likely the teams starting NCB, and he might also be the best CB on the roster which is not encouraging. After those three is Darnay Holmes, a journeyman NCB who in his career has logged more than 400 snaps just twice in five seasons. Holmes allowed 27 rec, 204 yards, and a 90.7 QBR in 2024 for the Raiders while also adding 2 PBU. He’s a fine option as a backup NCB but the Raiders may start him with Kelly on the outside and that’s when things get even more confusing. Lastly, we add Decamerion Richardson who returns after a poor?, yea well go with poor, rookie season. Richardson is a phenomenal athlete at 6’2/200 and he posted a 4.31 40 so the athletic traits are there. Richardson allowed 28 rec, 407 yards,, 2 TD, and a 106.0 QBR in his rookie season which spanned a little over 500 snaps. He did post 3 PBU and had a dropped INT also. Richardson tackles well, and in the entire room has the 2nd most snaps since 2022, he did allow a 118.8 QBR in preseason with 3 rec allowed and 43 yards also.

The Raiders lose their two best CBs from 2024. Nate Hobbs, while a NCB, and the price range there is too high for his production and injuries he was a strong cornerback. Hobbs played 554 snaps, allowed a 96.3 QBR, and also added 6 PBU and an INT. Hobbs was a force in the run game, he is coming off a down 2024 season but overall he was strong NCB and provided what the Raiders needed in a consistent body in the slot, despite injures as well. The loss of Jakorian Bennett was a choice, he’s 5’11/190 and doesn’t tackle well but Bennett did play well in coverage. He was fluid, had quick feet and a quick lower half. Bennett was aggressive at the track point, Bennett played the ball well and was fluid. He allowed a 56.3 QBR, just 185 yards, and also logged 9 PBU before missing the season with a torn rotator cuff and labrum. Bennett was a good CB and young. Las Vegas needed consistency and Bennett would’ve provided at minimum that. So there’s Jack Jones, he allowed 10 TD and added 14 PBU. Jones was an aggressive player, he made a ton of plays on the ball and it did work. Jones bit on double moves, and teams essentially just ran double moves at him the entire time. The definition of a boom or bust CB, Jones still played over 800 snaps that the Raiders need to replace. Overall, it’s hard to tell what the Raiders are doing at CB, they’re going full youth and potential which works but the lack of a veteran that has been consistent at the very least is a massive concern. Pete Carroll is well Pete Carroll, he has a knack for developing cornerbacks which gives hope to the position but there’s a lot needing to go right and very little can go wrong.

Great read by Kyu Blu Kelly to get a PBU (nearly a pick) on 3rd and long #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/mDffu7Fypr

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) August 12, 2025

Safety: Also Confused​

• Additions: Jeremy Chinn, Tristin McCollumn, Terrell Edmunds, Lonnie Johnson (IR currently)
• Subtractions: Trevon Moehrig, Marcus Epps, Thomas Harper (Likely to PS)

To start, in no world was Trevon Moehrig worth being paid as the 3rd highest SAF in the NFL, but that doesn’t take away from his impact on the team. Moehrig is 26 and he played 99.9% of the teams snaps last season, as he did in 2023 and 2021. Moehrig contributed 104 tackles, 5 TFL, a sack, 10 PBU, and 2 PBU. He continued to get better each season, and last season was one of the best, if not the best, safeties in the NFL in terms of run defense. Moehrig did struggle in coverage at times allowing a 105.8 QBR and 3 TD, but when tasked with pure zone assignments he allowed a 38.7 QBR and 0 TD compared to his 143.2 QBR and 3 TD in man coverage. Las Vegas also lost Marcus Epps, though he was out majority of the season with an ACL injury regardless. Epps was a formidable veteran, he provided consistency opposite of Moehrig in 2023, and in 2024 was doing the same before injury. The loss is mitigated from the fact, he simply didn’t play much last season. Lastly, 2024 UDFA Thomas Harper didn’t play much during the 2024 season but he did make an impact. The 5’10/195 NCB/SAF hybrid played just 191 snaps but logged 17 tackles, a TFL, 7 stops, 2 PBU, and an INT along with allowing a 41.3 QBR. He contributed where the Raiders needed him too. Harper missed most of camp with an injury, was waived earlier this week, but likely returns to the practice squad.

Las Vegas, obviously had to add to the room. Replacing Moehrig is Jeremy Chinn, a 6’3/230 hybrid SAF/WLB and at just 27 years old is coming off his best season in 2024 where he logged 117 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks, an INT, 5 PBU and a FF. Chinn is a good run defender, he posted 35 stops in 2024 and missed just 8.7% of his tackles, but he’s a step down from Moehrig. In terms of coverage, he’s also a step down. Limited by his frame at times, Chinn doesn’t play a ton of deep safety, he thrives being able to come down in the box and let the team rotate a safety over top of him. Chinn allowed five touchdowns, a 125.8 QBR, and 367 yards last season in this role. He’s never been a coverage specialist, but he gets the job done especially in zone (57.3 QBR) underneath. The Raiders are banking on the fact Chinn returns to a similar system as 2024 with the Dan Quinn/Pete Carroll tree and that he’ll stay healthy after missing 16 games from 2020-2023 (including 6 in 2022 and 5 in 2023). Lonnie Johnson has played 301 snaps in 2022, 2023, and 2024 combined. Johnson was pushing to start for the Raiders in 2025 at safety for the role when Chinn comes into the box, but a fractured leg before preseason means he’s out till at least week 4, if not longer. Johnson doesn’t have a great track record, he’s missed a career 17% of his tackles, and has allowed a 122.5 QBR in his career, mainly at FS so maybe a move to SS improves him. Overall, it remains to be seen how much he’ll impact the roster. Another 6’2+ safety!!!!, Terrell Edmunds joined the Raiders after Johnson’s injury and while cut during roster breakdown could see play time through practice squad elevations. Edmunds played 69 snaps in 2024 and 475 in 2023. He looked decent in both season, but nothing outstanding. Of those mentioned so far, Edmunds is likely the teams best coverage safety outside of Isaiah Pola-Mao. Edmunds has allowed a career 98 QBR, added 6 INT, and 24 PBU while limiting the missed tackles as well. There’s a real world Edmunds plays over 500 snaps in a three safety rotation this season, which elevates the floor. Lastly, the team added Tristin McCollumn this week, and the 6’3/210 safety is highly athletic but struggles. He’s limited in coverage and needs to develop, his tackling has been poor, but he’s athletic and someone for Pete Carroll to try and develop.

Ok, more paragraphs yay. Finally, the Raiders return two safeties. Isaiah Pola-Mao, fresh off a new contract and 985 snaps in 2024 steps in to be the Raiders apparent free safety for now. Pola-Mao was productive in 2024 with 89 tackles, 2 TFL, 5 PBU, and 2 FF. He added 15 stops and a 14.1% missed tackle rate while also allowing 408 yards, 2 TD, and a 132.1 QBR so strides need to happen in his overall coverage. As a run defender, Pola-Mao did make plays but the tackling has to improve. The Raiders clearly like what they have in Pola-Mao inking him to a lucrative deal immediately and he’s likely to play north of 1000 snaps this season again. Chris Smith is 5’10/195 with poor athleticism and 33 career snaps yet the Raiders are keeping him around. Preseason was good for Smith, he did make plays, and the Raiders clearly like him but his impact is way to be seen. Overall, the Raiders did elevate the floor of the DB room with Edmunds adding a veteran presence and Johnson also adding that when he gets back from injury. Overall, much like the rest of the defense, it’s just boom or bust. Pola-Mao needs to take steps up in coverage, Chinn is being tasked with replacing Moehrig (which is going to be tough), and one of Smith/McCollumn/Edmunds needs to slide into the 3rd role and play north of 500 snaps in the third safety set. Moehrig’s loss is going to be felt, he was good in coverage and helped the Raiders allow the 3rd least explosive passing plays last season after the least in 2023.

Jeremy Chinn with a nice PBU in man coverage vs a TE #Raiders pic.twitter.com/F4o94IcD1j

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 13, 2025

If you read this long, thank you.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...efense-comparison-crosby-chinn-koonce-carroll

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2024 Rookie Class Year 2 projections

The Las Vegas Raiders are coming off a 4-13 season where they ended up selecting 6th overall and taking Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Last year saw the impact of a quality 2024 rookie class with TE Brock Bowers being named an All-Pro and offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze headlining the Raiders offensive line at center and right tackle. After those three, the class saw little impact with defensive backs Decamerion Richardson (4th round), Trey Taylor (7th round), and MJ Devonshire (7th round) making little impact with Richardson serving as a depth piece, Devonshire ending up released prior to the start of the season, and Taylor e-nding up on injured reserve. Midround selection Tommy Eichenberg and Dylan Laube served as depth, but weren’t notable. Las Vegas is going to be relying on their 2024 class to take a jump in their sophomore year to pair with their incoming rookie class in order for the team to take a significant jump.

TE Brown Bowers: 115 receptions, 1250 yards, 11 TD​

Brock Bowers is going to be an elite tight end year after year after year in the NFL, he’s a phenomenal athlete with elite route running, strong hands, and a phenomenal IQ for the game. Bowers is likely to be a continual All-Pro and Pro-Bowler year after year with the potential for him to eventually win an OPOY award as well. Bowers is coming off a season where he posted 112 receptions, 1194 yards, and five touchdowns so the numbers this season should be relatively similar if not a touch better in terms of yards and touchdowns. The additions of Ashton Jeanty could make redzone targets less likely as they’ll opt for more focus on the run game. The Raiders also really like third year tight end Michael Mayer who could take pressure off Bowers at times. Despite this, new quarterback Geno Smith is very fond of the tight end, completing nearly 30% of his attempts to the position over the last two seasons and that shouldn’t change in Las Vegas.

IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson: 3 sacks, 24 pressures allowed​

Powers-Johnson allowed 23 pressures and 2 sacks last season with most of his time coming at center, with a transition to right guard in place this year there’s a likelihood his numbers stay the same or get a touch worse in terms of sacks and pressures allowed simply due to the nature of the position. Powers-Johnson is going to remain a high end run blocker, and that will likely become more beneficial with his move to guard as the Raiders can opt for clear running lanes designed behind him unlike at center. In terms of pass protection, I’d expect Powers-Johnson to remain about the same. He’s a refined player with great intangibles, a strong lower half, and a knack for being a bully in the run game. For what it’s worth, I don’t see Alex Cappa replacing Powers-Johnson as the week one starter either.

T DJ Glaze: 4 sacks, 38 pressures allowed​

DJ Glaze had an interesting rookie season, while allowing three sacks he also allowed 54 pressures which was among the highest at tackle. Additionally, he was flagged eight times, often for holding or a false start and those penalties have to be cut down this season if he’s going to be in their plans long term over Charles Grant. Glaze is highly athletic and has come a long way in preseason so far where he’s looked more comfortable with the pace of the game. I’d expect Glaze to allow 1-3 more sacks this season in an attempt to initially cut back on the holding penalties that occurred when he initially got beat to the outside. Overall, I’d expect Glaze to take a massive leap forward in terms of consistency with both run blocking and pass protection. Glaze has the traits to be a high end franchise option at right tackle and he is slowly putting those together. At only 23 years old, I’d expect for Glaze to take significant strides this season primarily with his consistency.

CB Decamerion Richardson: 55 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 INT, 9 PBU, 91.1 QBR Allowed​

The first of a couple bold predictions for the 2024 class, Richardson is likely going to see an uptick in play time this season as the Raiders are going full blown youth in their defensive back room for 2025. Richardson logged 70% of the Raiders defensive snaps last season posting 46 tackles, a TFL, and four breakups while also allowing a 119.7 QBR. Pete Carroll and Raiders DB coach Marcus Robertson have to be fond of the athleticism Richardson possess. Las Vegas saw a good jump from year one to two from now Eagles CB Jakorian Bennett and it’s possible Richardson makes a similar jump. While still a below average QBR allowed above 90, it would be a strong step up for him in terms of his development. Richardson has the traits to make plays on the ball, and does do well as a run defender. Las Vegas is likely to play multiple iterations at CB this season with Darien Porter, Eric Stokes, Richardson, Kyu Blu Kelly, JT Woods, and likely 2-3 others getting key snaps.

ILB Tommy Eichenberg: 15 tackles, 2 TFL, 7 ST Tackles​

After posting 13 tackles and just logging 80 snaps last season, I don’t expect a big increase for Eichenberg in year two. The Raiders brought in veterans Elandon Roberts, Germaine Pratt, Jamal Adams, and Devin White all of which seem to be the first four linebackers up. In addition, Eichenberg is competing with rookie Cody Lindenberg, veteran Jaylon Smith, and 2nd year UDFA Amari Gainer to be the 5th and 6th linebackers on the roster for their initial 53 man roster. Eichenberg is primarily going to serve on special teams should be snag a roster spot, which would be similar to his play style at Ohio State.

RB Dylan Laube: 13 att, 72 yards, TD, 11 rec, 135 yards, 2 TD | Key Special Teams Player​

Laube also seems to be a sneaky player to make the roster, with the Raiders highly valuing his special teams ability both as a kick and punt returner and as a gunner. Laube has made strides as a tackler this preseason and showed good traits as a returner as well. If Laube makes the roster, and maybe at the time of reading this he did, he’s likely to be the 4th running back and won’t be in line for a ton of attempts and/or targets for the season.

IDL Jonah Laulu: 53 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 sacks, 31 pressures​

Similar to Richardson, I’m going pretty bold with this prediction for Laulu. Las Vegas is likely going to start Laulu opposite of Adam Butler with the interior defensive line being a little bit confusing. Rookies JJ Pegues and Tonka Hemingway seem to be making headway to play along with newly aquired Thomas Booker and the interior defensive line is rather confusing in terms of how often everyone is going to play. Laulu played at a good level last season as a rotational player, and the Raiders have a ton of faith in him going into the 2025 season. Laulu posted 10 stops last season and 20 stops serving mainly as a run defender last year. I’d expect for Laulu to take a jump in terms of his pass rush ability this season after finishing last year with a 10% win rate across the last seven games. Laulu posted 35 tackles, 3 for loss, and a sack on top of his pressures and stops last year so the uptick in numbers to go along with an increase in play time should be expected.

ILB Amari Gainer: Special Teams Player​

It’s unclear if Gainer is going to make the 53 man roster, and if he does miss he’ll likely see time as a practice squad elevation throughout the season. Gainer is highly athletic, and needs time to really refine his traits to be a backup linebacker. Gainer may make the roster due to his special teams ability where he posses the skillset to make an impact there long term.

SAFs Trey Taylor/Thomas Harper and C Will Putnam:​

For safeties Thomas Harper and Trey Taylor they’re likely to end up on the practice squad, and could see elevation into the season with injuries. Taylor has performed at a decent level during pre-season but the Raiders are likely to carry Isaiah Pola-Mao, Jeremy Chinn, Terrell Edmunds, and Chris Smith at safety with Lonnie Johnson on IL. Harper hasn’t performed at the same level as Taylor during preseason but had a strong 2024 campaign with all things considered, and does have versatility between SAF and NCB. For Putnam, he’s the only true center the Raiders have on their roster with the rest being converted guards. Putnam will likely play as a depth player in case of IOL injuries throughout the season but is unlikely to crack the initial 53 man roster.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...024-impact-in-2025-bowers-powersjohnson-glaze

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2026 Free Agents Preview

The Las Vegas Raiders kick off their 2025 season very shortly, and if you’re reading this, they may already have faced off with the New England Patriots. After recapping how the compensatory formula works for 2025 free agents, it’s time to take a look at the Raiders who will be up for new contracts following this season. Before breaking down the free agents to be, let’s take a look at the NFL’s free agent designations first:

Accrued and Credited Seasons:​

NFL Contracts are based on accrued seasons, which is essentially the amount of length a player has been in the , a NFL. To earn an accrued season, a player must have been (or should have been) on full pay status for at least 6 regular seasons games in one season.

A credited season is used to measure NFL benefits. If a player is on full pay status for three or more regular season games. These credited seasons are used to determine the minimum salaries that a player can earn with the following being those salaries: 0 years (840k), 1 year (960k), 2 years (1.03 M), 3 years (1.1 M), 4-6 years (1.17 M), and 7+ years (1.25 M)

If a player spends their entire season on the practice squad, they will not be counted for an accrued season, however, a player could theoretically never earn UFA status and spend majority, or all, of their career as an ERFA/RFA though the odds are nearly impossible.

Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA):​

These free agents are players who have three or less accrued seasons of experience. If a player is an ERFA, their team is entitled to issue a one year league minimum contract to them. If the contract is issued the player must sign the contract and is prevented from negotiating with other teams. In the rare chances that a player is not issued an ERFA contract, they become a UFA. This type of free agent is often achieved through players being released from rookie contracts and are re-signed by their original team, a new team, or going to a practice squad.

Restricted Free Agent (RFA):​

Players who have contracts expire and have accrued exactly three seasons they are listed as an RFA. This is often achieved through players who spend 2 years as an ERFA, but most often from undrafted free agents who spend their careers on active rosters for all three seasons due to UDFA contracts being 3 year deals. When players are listed as RFA, teams have the option to sign them to one of four contract tenders, the value of the tender increases through each season and the type of tender determines the compensation going to the player. Players issued RFA tenders can negotiate with other teams, though depending on their contract teams are entitled to match the contract, in such scenario the player must re-sign with their original team on that new contract, or receive draft compensation (this scenario happened this season with the Raiders and Patriots ILB Christian Elliss, who agreed to a 2 year, 14.5M deal with LV before New England matched the contract and signed Elliss to the same deal). The tenders that can be issued to RFA include:

• First Round Tender: 1 year contract worth either 7.458 million or 110% of the players prior year base salary (whichever is greater). If the original team decides to not match the offer sheet from a new team, the original team is awarded the new team’s first round selection.
• Second Round Tender: 1 year contract worth either 5.34 million or 110% of the players prior year base salary (whichever is greater). If the original team decides to not match the offer sheet, they are awarded the signing teams second round selection from that season.
• Original Round Tender: 1 year contract worth either 3.40 million or 110% of the players prior year base salary (whichever is greater). The original team is awarded the original round compensation if they choose to not match an offer sheet. (Example, a player drafted in round 5 the team is awarded a 5th rounder). If the player was a UDFA, the team is awarded no draft compensation
• Right of First Refusal: 1 year contract worth 3.26 million, the original team can match the offer sheet but if they choose to not match their is no included draft compensation return
• Upgraded Tender: In extremely rare circumstances, if teams have RFA’s that are 1st round picks they can only receive a 2nd round pick, if their highest RFA is a 2nd round pick they can only receive a 3rd round pick and so on.

Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA):​

Players with 4 or more years of accrued seasons are eligible to be UFA’s. Majority of NFL free agents are UFA’s, they are able to negotiate with any team and there is no ability to be prevented from free agent unless issued a franchise tag or transition tag:

• Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag: Each team is allowed 1 franchise tag a season, and teams often do not exercise the tag. Players with the NE Franchise Tag are allowed to negotiate with other teams, the tag is worth the greater of either the cap % average for his position or 120% of his previous years salary. Teams hold the right of first refusal and if a player under the tag sign with another team, the original team can match and should they choose not to will receive two first round picks as compensation. (Chiefs G Trey Smith and Bengals WR Tee Higgins received the tag in 2025). If a tag is placed on a player in consecutive seasons they receive a 120% value in the 2nd season. In the rare chance a player is tagged for three straight seasons the player receives the higher of either the QB franchise tag, 120% average of the top 5 at his position, or 145% his 2nd franchise tag salary.
• Exclusive Franchise Tag: Player cannot negotiate with other teams. The tag is worth the higher of the average of five largest AAV at his position or the amount of a non exclusive franchise tag. This tag is rarely used due to the extreme financial costs, as the last to receive this was Cowboys QB Dak Prescott in 2020.
• Transition Tag: Players are free to negotiate with other teams, the tag is worth the greater of either the cap % average of the top 10 AAV at his position or 120% of his own AAV. The tag is a cheaper version of the franchise tags with teams having the ability to match an offer sheet, however should they decline there is no draft compensation return.

*These lists are subject to change with in season free agent additions or players being elevated from the PS to 53 man roster

Offense:​

• QB Kenny Pickett
  • The Raiders newly acquired backup QB, Pickett is likely looking at a deal worth 6M or more per season due to his experience as a backup QB. LV sent a 2026 5th round pick and seems high on Pickett so there’s a good shot he returns as the longterm backup behind Geno Smith.
• RB Raheem Mostert
  • Mostert snuck onto the roster after a 1 year, 1.2M contract. He’s the 3rd or 4th RB on the roster and a veteran addition, he’s likely to not be re-signed
• RB Zamir White
  • White looks rejuvenated this preseason averaging near 4.5 ypc, the Raiders have Ashton Jeanty as the starter, but White could cement himself as a high end RB2 and from there decide to test the market or be the complement to Jeanty. His value all depends on this 2025 season
• WR Jakobi Meyers – Market Value (2 years, 44M w/ 28M GTD)
  • Meyers is currently seeking an extension, and the Raiders should extend him. He’s a high end WR2 but has shown the ability to be a capable WR1 as well with his play last season where he posted over 1000 yards with 0 drops and was top 10 in contested catch rate. The Raiders added rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton so theres a shot he walks as well.
• WR Amari Cooper
  • Cooper is on a 1 year, 5M deal and the oldest in the room. If things go well this season, the 31 year old could cash in again on the market or choose to return as a capable veteran depth option.
• TE Ian Thomas
  • Thomas is also on a 1 year contract as a bottom of the roster journeyman TE. The Raiders value his blocking and he could return depending on the season.
• T Stone Forsythe
  • The Raiders chose Forsythe over Thayer Munford during the preseason. Forsythe has struggled in his career but has connection to Pete Carroll. He could return, he could walk.
• G Dylan Parham – Market Value (2 years, 26M w/ 15M GTD)
  • Parham is bound for a big season in 2025 as the Raiders left guard. Parham has consistently improved each season, there’s a chance he returns but the value needs to be a good fit. Parham is a young guard and one of the Raiders draft hits in the 3rd round. Caleb Rogers is sitting as the teams backup but hasn’t looked ready for the NFL. If Charles Grant makes strides the team could play DJ Glaze at guard or depending on how Glaze looks, Grant kicks inside. This may be Parham’s last season with LV
• G/C Jordan Meredith (RFA)
  • Meredith won the starting C job, looked good in preseason and to end the 2024 season. He’s a young upcoming interior lineman in the NFL, the team needs to consider a long term extension. As an RFA he should be back, but teams could force the Raiders hand on a large deal
• C Will Putnam (ERFA)
  • Putnam is an ERFA, made the roster as a 2nd year UDFA. He’ll be back in 2026.

Defense:​

• NT Leki Fotu
  • Fotu is the Raiders veteran UDFA, he’s going to push for playtime in 2025 but also has JJ Pegues and Thomas Booker pushing to be the starting NT after this season. The Raiders could also look to add a new veteran depending on Fotu’s play this season. This is one to monitor.
• DT Thomas Booker (RFA)
  • Booker is an RFA and the team traded for him from the Eagles, he’s likely in line to play a significant portion of the snaps, he’ll be back in 2026.
• EDGE Malcolm Koonce – Market Value (3 years, 63M w/ 34M GTD)
  • This is a big season for Koonce, after a torn ACL in 2024 he’s on a 1 year deal worth north of 10M and if he performs to the same standards he played at in 2023 he’s going to be a highly paid EDGE rusher in the NFL. Koonce is young, has a good deal of upside and has shown flashes of being highly productive. Las Vegas could retain him but could let him walk too depending on the market. This will be a huge season for Koonce and signs show he wants to stay in LV as long as possible.
• EDGE Charles Snowden (ERFA)
  • The Raiders like Snowden, he’s a quality bottom of roster EDGE rusher. As an ERFA he’ll be back but the roster status in 2026 is not a guarantee.
• ILB Germaine Pratt – Market Value (1 year, 7.5M w/ 5.8M GTD)
  • Pratt needs a bounce back season to reach his market value after signing a 4.2M deal in 2025 once the Bengals released him. The Raiders are relying on Pratt in 2025 to be an anchor in the middle of their defense. He could return but it depends how effective he is this season.
• ILB Elandon Roberts
  • Roberts is a 2 down player and limited in coverage. He’s a high quality veteran depth piece especially vs the run at LB. Las Vegas values the run defense and he could return. I’d lean in the likelihood he comes back.
• ILB Devin White
  • No clue, honestly no clue. There’s a world White goes and has a phenomenal season but there’s a world he’s released in week six as well.
• ILB Jamal Adams
  • Like White, Adams is up for a make it or break it season. The Raiders moved him to linebacker full time and he’s looked exceptional during preseason. Depending on how this year goes, Adams could be due for a rather large pay day.
• CB Eric Stokes
  • Stokes is earning the opportunity to start in 2025 and if he does well, you have to image the Raiders will look to retain him going into the 2026 season. Stokes has all the room in front of him to be on the roster for long term, or be a bottom roster CB as well.
• CB Darnay Holmes
  • The Raiders value Holmes work in the slot and on special teams. He breaks the Pete Carroll mold but he’s a consistent depth option at cornerback I’d imagine comes back regardless.
• CB Kyu Blu Kelly (ERFA)
  • Kelly is starting for the Raiders in 2025 and is an ERFA, he’ll be back.
• SAF Lonnie Johnson Jr
  • Las Vegas values Johnson’s special teams ability and size. He’s struggled in his NFL career and is injured at the moment, he’s going to get the chance to play in 2025 as well once he returns. Like much of the defense, it’s boom or bust.
• SAF Tristin McCollum (ERFA)
  • If McCollum makes it through the season on the roster he’d be back in 2026 especially as a 6’4 highly athletic SAF.

Special Teams:​

• K Daniel Carlson – Market Value (2 years, 11M w/ 7.5M GTD)
  • Las Vegas needs to see consistency out of Carlson before signing him long term and he has this year to do that. The veteran kicker has settled in nicely after a rough rookie year and you ideally want to avoid kicking mishaps again.
• LS Jacob Bobenmoyer
  • I can’t say much about LS, he’s looked good to my standards and doesn’t make penalties on special teams.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-free-agentpreview-koonce-meyers-parham-pratt

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Rob Leonard, The Raiders rising coaching star

Originally, Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard had no intent to play football in college, he was set on golf.

In high school, Leonard originally played at Washington & Jefferson college where he posted an interception and 2 tackles as the Presidents went on to achieve a 12-1 record. From there, Leonard who was a cornerback, runningback, returner, holder, and just about anything else at Moon High School. After a year with Washington & Jefferson, Leonard decided he wanted to be close to his dad and decided to walk on at NC State in Raleigh, NC. While at NC State Leonard worked his way through the depth chart before eventually earning a scholarship in 2005. In 2006, he’d go on to be 2nd on the roster in special teams tackles. In 2007, the former walk on was the teams rotational free safety where he played in 12 games recording 20 tackles, a TFL, and a PBU. During his senior season in 2008, Leonard became the teams starting linebacker and led the team in tackles with 83 while also adding 6 TFL, a sack, an INT, and 4 PBU.

Leonard would graduate in 2009 and then join the prestigious Cardinal Gibbons high school staff as an assistant coach, in 2010 he returned to the Wolfpack as a grad assistant on defense. The team won 2 of 3 bowl games in his three seasons there and eventually the jump to the NFL happened for Leonard. In 2013, Leonard joined the New York Giants and Tom Coughlin as an assistant defensive coach. Leonard remained with the Giants as a defensive assistant all the way till 2016, where he transitioned to the teams assistant DL coach in 2017. Here in New York, Leonard got his start on defense. After working under Tom Coughlin for two seasons, Leonard got the opportunity to coach under potential future Hall of Famer and multi time super bowl winning defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Additionally, in 2016 Leonard would get the chance to work with now Raiders DC Patrick Graham, who was the Giants defensive line coach. Another coaching move came in 2017, Leonard shifted from the Asst. DL coach to an assistant OLB coach where he got the first taste at leading his own positional group. While working with Graham on the DL, Leonard saw Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon combine for 15 sacks, 17 TFL, and 25 QB Hits.

Following a 5-11 season, the Giants saw some turnover and one of these involved their defensive staff. Patrick Graham, who spent 2018 as the Packers LB coach, went south to take the Dolphins defensive coordinator job, and along with him came Leonard who joined the roster as a LB coach. In his first season coaching his own position, Leonard helped Dolphins LB Jerome Baker record 126 tackles, 3 TFL, an INT, 4 PBU, and 1.5 sacks. In addition, linebackers Raekwon McMillan, Vince Biegel, and Samuel Eguavoen combined for 173 tackles, 17 TFL, 6 sacks, INT, 4 PBU, and 2 FF. Additionally, Andrew Van Ginkel posted 15 tackles, 4 TFL, a sack, FF, and PBU in just 6 games, the Dolphins had found themselves a star. 2020 saw Patrick Graham depart back to New York where he returned as the teams defensive coordinator, in Miami the rising star of Josh Boyer stepped up, Boyer was a 3x super bowl winning coach with the Patriots and he brough in now Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile to lead the linebackers and college DL superstar coach Marion Hobby to be the DL coach. Leonard without a position, remained on staff as an assistant DL coach. After the success he had in 2019, it wasn’t long before Leonard had his own position back and in 2021 the Dolphins promoted him to OLB coach.

T/T stunt, give Adam Butler an assist on Tyree Wilson strip sack. Butler goes first, takes the C with him allowing Wilson to loop back around through void created as RG goes to double Crosby. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/2BtdcgYO3Y

— Ryan Holmes (@Rholm22) November 19, 2024

A small promotion, Leonard made the most of it. The Dolphins racked up 48 total sacks and finished 5th in the league. A large part of their success came from standout rookie Jaelan Phillips who logged 8.5 sacks and 9 TFL as a rookie. Additionally, Andrew Van Ginkel forced himself into a large role logging 71 tackles, 4 TFL, 9 TFL, 7 PBU, and an absurd 21 QB hits. Leonard also saw starting OLB Jerome Baker log 92 tackles, 9 TFL, an INT, 4 PBU, a FF, 5.5 sacks, and 15 QB hits while finishing inside the top 8 at his position for pro bowl voting. Leonard had worked his way up, and he finally made his presence felt as a position coach. After just one season as the Dolphins OLB coach, Leonard packed his things up and went to Baltimore where he took the same position with the Ravens. The Ravens logged 48 sacks in 2022, finishing 6th in the NFL while the Dolphins…. 19th. Jaelan Phillips saw his pass rush win rate drop by 4.5% and only log 7 sacks and 25 QB hits with 8 TFL. Jerome Baker struggled in coverage, Andrew Van Ginkel saw regression as well only logging 47 tackles, 3 TFL, and just 4 QB hits. Miami lacked juice at EDGE, they were worse in the run game, they got worse in their pass rush win rates, and in Baltimore things were great. Veteran Justin Houston posted 9.5 sacks, 7 TFL, and 19 QB hits after just 4.5 sacks in 2021. Vetern Jason Pierre-Paul joined the Ravens and logged 3 sacks, rookie Odafe Oweh another 3, with veterans Tyus Bowser (2) and 2nd year EDGE David Ojabo, who tore his Achilles the season before 1.5. The Ravens finished top 5 in pass rush win rate, pressure rate, sacks, and TFL. They were playing lights out run defense on the perimeter as well.

In March of 2023, Leonard decided to pack his family, and at the time two young children, up one more time to rejoin Patrick Graham in Las Vegas as the Raiders defensive line coach. The Raiders pass rush was abysmal in 2022 finishing 19th in sacks, 24th in pass rush win rate, and 23rd in pressure rate. They were 16th in run stop win rate, and struggled to contain on the outside. Superstar Maxx Crosby had 12.5 sacks alone, Chandler Jones just 4.5, and former 4th overall pick Clelin Ferrell 2. Las Vegas saw just 3 sacks from their entire interior defensive line. 2023 was a big year for Leonard, and of course the Raiders. In Baltimore while their sack count held high, the team saw a step back in their pressure rates and pass rush win rate with both falling into the mid teens. Odafe Oweh struggled to develop posting just 5 sacks, and David Ojabo only posted 1. Veterans Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney, not with the team in 2022 posted 9 but the young high draft picks couldn’t develop.

#Raiders DEs Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson working on technique with D Line Coach Rob Leonard before training camp. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/bh6tFMftjQ

— Ezekiel Trezevant IV (@EzTrez_SI) August 1, 2025

Meanwhile in Las Vegas, Maxx Crosby exploded onto the scene nearly winning DPOY after a 14.5 sack, 23 TFL (led the NFL), and 31 QB Hit season. Crosby also added 90 tackles, over 90 pressures, and a 21.5% win rate. He was elite. Opposite of him, a former 3rd rounder out of Buffalo, Malcolm Koonce also exploded onto the scene with 8 sacks, 9 TFL, 17 hits, and 52 pressures while winning 17.4% of his reps. Both added 3 FF, and the team was highly satisfied with what was arguably a top 5 pass rush duo. The Raiders also added 5 sacks from Adam Butler, surpassing their entire rooms total in 2022. Meanwhile, Butler went on to have career highs in TFL, QB hits, and win rate. Veteran NT John Jenkins had a career season at 34 years old setting career highs in stops, TFL, sacks, pressures, run stop win rate, pass rush win rate, and also logging a 44 yard FR TD. Journeyman Jerry Tillery has 2 sacks, rookie Tyree Wilson disappointed but also logged 3.5 sacks, 8 QB hits, and a 7.5% win rate off foot surgery. Las Vegas felt happy about their defensive line, it finished top 15 in pressures, top 10 in win rate, and they were 10th in sacks (the highest in almost a decade).

Malcolm Koonce + Maxx Crosby since Week 8 for the #Raiders:
– 74 pressures
– 14 sacks
– 17 TFL
– 32 QB Hits
– 4 FF
– 43 Stops

ELITE DUO!!! pic.twitter.com/dypHPlOl90

— Tristen Kuhn (@KuhnTristen) December 26, 2023

2024 was rough for the Raiders, Las Vegas kept interim HC Antonio Pierce as their full time coach where he went 4-13. The team struggled with injuries seeing Malcolm Koonce, bound for a big season, tear his ACL before week 1. Maxx Crosby got shut down after knee, shoulder, and hip injuries ending his season at just 12 games. Despite injuries to their top two pass rushers, Las Vegas still managed to record 38 sacks though they ranked 21st in the NFL. Their pass rush win rate dropped to 18th, and pressure rate to 16th but the defensive line had their moments. Former first rounder K’Lavon Chaisson signed after the Koonce injury and instantly rejuvenated his career. Chaisson posted 5 sacks, 7 TFL, 8 QB hits, an INT, and 2 FF. He finished with nearly 40 pressures and a 17% win rate. Chaisson became a fan favorite, he made highlight plays and started to look like the LSU superstar he was almost five years back. Additionally, Adam Butler continued to make strides, he had 5 sacks and 8 TFL again but also added 65 tackles. The most impressive part, Butler was one of just three DT to rank inside the top 10 for PRSH win rate and top 15 for RSTP win rate, he was an all around threat on the interior defensive line. Former Virginia standout Charles Snowden became a quality pass rusher with 1.5 sacks, 39 tackles, 7 QB hits, and a 11% win rate. Former 7th overall pick Tyree Wilson made leaps as a run stopper and his overall technique developed seeing him make small strides but still putting up 4.5 sacks, 27 tackles, 6 TFL, and 34 pressures with a 13% win rate. Wilson was coming into his own, and the team let Chaisson walk in free agency for a 1 year, 5.8M deal with the Patriots. Jonah Laulu, a 7th rounder from Oklahoma, who the Raiders claimed off waivers logged 1.5 sacks, 11 pressures, and finished inside the top 10 of all rookie IDL on run stops and pass rush win rate.

K'Lavon Chaisson went right around him for the sack #LVvsKC on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4USUxl6YRg

— NFL (@NFL) November 29, 2024

The Raiders needed to retain Leonard, he had shown not only was he a key coach for the develop of the defensive line, but players loved him. Players spoke out about his energy, leadership, and how smart he was. Maxx Crosby praised him numerous times, as did Adam Butler and former defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. The Raiders interviewed Leonard for their defensive coordinator position, and after hiring Patrick Graham back they retained Leonard as the DL coach but also giving him the role as run game coordinator. Leonard enjoys his new position, he’s able to take pressure of good friend Patrick Graham and due to his experiences in the past as an ILB coach and OLB coach Leonard understands how to defend the run both at the trench and second levels. Las Vegas invested in their defensive interior this off-season, they retained Adam Butler and drafted rookies JJ Pegues and Tonka Hemingway, both of which flashed in preseason. In weeks 2 and 3 both led rookie DL in pressures and win rate (Hemingway in week 3 led all NFL DL). They finished top 10 among rookie DL in pressures, win rate, and pressure rate both logging over a 20% pressure rate. UDFA Treven Ma’ae also finished highly ranking 2nd in pressure rate while Charles Snowden finished 12th in pressures among EDGE rushers. Coming off a torn ACL, Malcolm Koonce flashed with 1.5 sacks and a 18% win rate while Tyree Wilson also made strides having a sack, multiple run stops, 2 TFL, and a 16% win rate of his own. As a run defender, Wilson looked noticeably better too. The Raiders ILB, while not Leonard’s position, did look strong vs the run with veteran Jamal Adams playing well alongside Elandon Roberts and young ILBs Cody Lindenberg and Tommy Eichenberg logging good snaps too.

It’s a big season for Rob Leonard, the former NC State standout linebacker is in position to possibly be the Raiders next defensive coordinator after Patrick Graham departs. Defensive line coaches don’t often make the role of defensive coordinator but if the Raiders DL and run defense looks strong there’s a chance Leonard steps into that role if he wants it. Leonard is experienced, but his hardest task is coming up. The Raiders front office, coaching staff, and fans are banking on Malcolm Koonce returning to form and while inexperienced the interior defensive line is going to be asked to do a lot. Las Vegas interior features four players in their third year or less, with two being rookies. Leonard has shown the ability to step up to the task before, and if the Raiders are going to perform to the standards they want this season it all starts in the trenches. An elite defensive line coach, Leonard develops his players at a great rate, he builds the fundamentals, works to design phenomenal stunt and blitz packages, but overall he’s a leader. The Raiders DL values him highly, the fans do too, he’s well spoken and has all the traits of a rising star in the NFL.

#Raiders DE Tyree Wilson said he feels the game has slowed down for him. Rob Leonard on what he's seen from Wilson:

"Trust in his technique…him becoming a pro… When this kid gets two steps in the ground, it's going to be a problem"#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/PuL4Ir2wsG

— Dominic Lavoie (@dominicjlavoie) August 21, 2025

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/general/108618/rob-leonard-the-raiders-rising-coaching-star

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Cowboys-Eagles season opening game thread

The NFL season is here as the Dallas Cowboys open the NFL season at the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Head to the comments section to share your thoughts and join the conversation. You can sign up for a commenting account below and we have full-time moderators to enforce the Community Guidelines.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...750/cowboys-eagles-season-opening-game-thread

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Week 1: 5 Raiders with the most to prove

Starting the 2025 campaign on the road is an opportune time to find out what the Pete Carroll-led Las Vegas Raiders have to offer this coming year.

Carroll and his desert marauders head East to face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough this Sunday for a 10 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time) matchup to kick off the regular season. It’s double debut for both head coaches for the Silver & Black and Pats as Carroll and Mike Vrabel are in their inaugural seasons helming the two teams, respectively.

Las Vegas and New England come off cellar-dweller 2024 seasons that saw both teams finish 4-13 and have staggeringly embarrassing point differentials: -125 for the Raiders (309 points scored to 434 allowed) and -128 for the Patriots (289 points scored, 417 allowed).

Suffice it to say, both AFC teams are looking for a rebound this coming year.

Expecting excellence.#LVvsNE | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/qv0aWQzJDF

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 2, 2025

Thus, let’s take a look at the five Raiders who have the most to prove in the regular-season opener:

No. 1: Jordan Meredith, Center​

The figurative and literal center of attention who appeared an afterthought early in camp only to win the all-important job at the pivot of Las Vegas’ offensive line. Meredith, an undrafted free agent who has become a mainstay in the Raiders trenches, was lauded by teammates and the coaching staff for his communication skills. And that, along with steady play, helped secure the center spot for him.

How Meredith functions at the pivot is integral to how the Raiders offense performs and going on the road in hostile territory will be a solid test for the 27-year-old. At 6-foot-2 and 301 pounds, the Western Kentucky product will not only be aligned with the quarterback on getting everyone on the same page and barking out any adjustments, but Meredith will contend with Patriots defensive tackles Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, along with nose tackle Khyiris Tonga, at various points in Sunday’s matchup.

No. 2: Geno Smith, Quarterback​

Reunited with the coach who resurrected his NFL career, Smith’s arrival in Las Vegas gives the Raiders a bona fide QB1. Now we’ll see if Smith can create a Raider renaissance at signal caller alongside both Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Smith built a rapport with Meredith and the quarterback-center combination is going to be vital to the success (and failure) of Kelly’s offense.

Smith is older at 34 years old (35 on October 10), but the 6-foot-3 and 221-pound second-round pick (39th overall) from the 2013 NFL Draft still has plenty to prove. Does he still have an accurate and strong arm? Does he have the wherewithal and athleticism to scramble when need be? In the three season where he was the starter with the Seattle Seahawks (2022-23 with Carroll), Smith completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 12,226 yards, 71 touchdowns and 35 interceptions — while absorbing 127 sacks.

The #Raiders love what they have in 4th-round WR Dont’e Thornton Jr., and it’s easy to see why.

Here’s Geno Smith connecting with him for a TD

pic.twitter.com/pGv331gVQW

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 24, 2025

No. 3: Kyu Blu Kelly, Cornerback​

Bouncing between four teams since getting drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, the Las Vegas native epitomizes the comPETE mantra Carroll brought in as head coach. A big — if not biggest — training camp riser, Kelly is listed as a starting cornerback on Las Vegas’ updated unofficial depth chart for Week 1.

At 6-feet, 188 pounds, and 32-inch arms, the 24-year-old certainly fills the Carroll prerequisites he seeks from cornerbacks. And Kelly also has NFL pedigree as his father Brian played 11 years in the league — 10 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A zone-type corner who has quick read-and-react skills, when in position, Kelly can contest passes and make plays on the ball. And we’ll see if the Stanford product can parlay camp buzz into regular season performance.

No. 4: Malcolm Koonce, Defensive End​

A career year in 2023 where Koonce had eight sacks and appeared to be an ample tag team partner across from Maxx Crosby gave way to a rattling reality check in 2024: A torn ACL. With a clean bill of health, the Buffalo product is set to once again hunt opposing quarterbacks.

But a return to form can take time, especially for a defender reliant on his knees to get the bend and burst to scream off the edge with bad intentions. For a Raiders pass rush that has Crosby as the lone proven commodity, Koonce still has plenty to prove. Especially when looking at Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. He had a rude awakening in his first season as the third overall selection in the 2024 draft going 3-10. And in each of those losses he absorbed two or more sacks. This is where Koonce’s return can play a pivotal role.

As hungry as they come

Malcolm Koonce left no stone unturned on the long road back to the gridiron

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 2, 2025

No. 5: Ashton Jeanty, Running Back​

The tale of the tape on the Boise State product read: “talent and skillset to succeed independent of the quality of his blocking.” Expect that to be tested thoroughly as the Raiders’ prized sixth overall pick in the 2025 draft embarks on his rookie campaign. A capable offensive weapon as ball carrier and pass catcher, all eyes will be on seeing if Jeanty can translate his collegiate exploits (750 carries for 4,769 yards and 50 touchdowns) into pro production.

The 5-foot-8 and 208-pound 21-year-old may appear small on paper, but he’s well built and has the low center of gravity which makes him hard to catch and tackle. The Raiders are expected to be part of the running back resurgence in the NFL so expect Jeanty to get plenty of opportunities to justify Las Vegas making him the sixth prospect off the board this past April.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-chart/108705/week-1-raiders-patriots-preview

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

How has Drake Maye picked up Josh McDaniels’ offense?

Week 1 is finally here as the Las Vegas Raiders begin the 2025 regular season on the road against the New England Patriots. To preview the game, Taylor Kyles from our friends over at Pats Pulpit was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Patriots for Raider Nation.

Q: In addition to Mike Vrabel, the Patriots hired former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator. How has Drake Maye picked up McDaniels’ offense so far, and what are the expectations for Maye this season?

A: The Patriots have high expectations for Drake Maye, who they’re hoping proves to be the face of the franchise. Mike Vrabel has made it clear that his job is to help Maye grow as a game manager and leader, while Josh McDaniels oversees development. With two accomplished NFL coaches in his ear and a much-improved supporting cast, Maye could establish himself as a top-12 or 15 passer in the league.

In terms of early returns, I’ve been impressed by Maye’s maturity and adaptability. He excels at attacking space and leverage, which the scheme caters to while providing answers to virtually any defensive look. Fewer turnovers and keeping his eyes downfield off-schedule were heavy focuses this offseason, and Maye took both to heart. It wasn’t a perfect summer, with inconsistent accuracy, aggressiveness, and end-of-half execution popping up as potential concerns. But overall, the team is happy with where Maye is at this stage, and it’s easy to see why.

Q: On a similar note, Stefon Diggs is now in New England after missing half the season with a torn ACL in Houston last year. How has he looked after the injury, especially considering he’s nearly 32 years old? Have Diggs and Maye formed immediate chemistry?

A: Stefon Diggs’ recovery has to be one of the most impressive in recent memory. He didn’t play this preseason, but was a full participant throughout training camp and isn’t expected to be on a pitch count in Week 1.

While Diggs disappeared at times during team drills, particularly in joint practices in Minnesota, he was Maye’s second-most targeted receiver this summer behind DeMario Douglas and has had plenty of dominant flashes. During 1-on-1s against the Vikings, Diggs sent Jeff Okudah to the shadow realm on a corner and used late hands to beat Byron Murphy on a fade. There’s still room for Maye and Diggs to grow, particularly with several mouths to feed on offense, but expect the veteran receiver to be heavily involved on Sunday.

Q: Going up against Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ defensive line, what’s the level of concern with the Patriots’ offensive line, especially considering the left side is starting two rookies in first-round pick Will Campbell and third-rounder Jared Wilson?

A: The offensive line’s age disparity overall is one of my top concerns this season. Starting a pair of rookies side-by-side is a massive question mark, but right tackle Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury are in their 30s and nearing the end of their careers.

This should be a quality run-blocking unit if Will Campbell and Jared Wilson establish chemistry, but their ability to pass protect is worrisome. Campbell and Wilson will have their early struggles, Bradbury can’t hold up 1-on-1 consistently, and Moses struggled against speed this offseason. Josh McDaniels will help as much as he can with the scheme, but Drake Maye and his receivers must work quickly to minimize the damage.

Q: The Patriots hit free agency hard on the d-line, signing Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Khyiris Tonga and former Raider K’Lavon Chaisson in addition to already having Christian Barmore at defensive tackle. Who do you think will have the biggest impact on Sunday? Also, how’s our old friend Robert Spillane looking so far?

A: Milton Williams is being paid to wreck games, and he did that as a pass rusher all summer. His run defense has been more hit-or-miss, but Williams’ quickness, power, and relentless hands make him a handful for interior linemen. If Christian Barmore returns to form, he’ll likely draw the attention Jalen Carter did in Philadelphia, making Williams’ job even easier.

Robert Spillane was just voted a team captain, and you can see why on the field. Spillane brings great energy and was constantly around the ball this summer, quickly diagnosing plays before flying to the action.

K’Lavon Chaisson has also left an early mark in New England. He took Keion White’s starting job after a strong summer as both a pass rusher and run defender, and he was voted a game captain for this week.

Q: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez appears to be questionable (at best) for the game with a hamstring injury. How significant of a loss would Gonzalez be to New England’s secondary if he can’t play, and who would need to step up to replace him?

A: Losing an All-Pro is never easy, but I mostly like how the Patriots match up with the Raiders’ receivers. On paper, Alex Austin vs Jakobi Meyers, Carlton Davis vs Donte Thornton, and Marcus Jones vs Tre Tucker should be competitive matchups. Austin isn’t a household name, but he’s shown impressive growth in year three and is a sticky man corner.

Christian Gonzalez’s absence will most be felt in passing situations, where I was hoping he’d shadow Brock Bowers. Safeties Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson are good athletes, but Bowers might be above their pay grade. Of the safety/linebacker group, I’d be most comfortable in Marte Mapu’s length and range getting the job done. If New England puts Davis on the tight end, expect competitive sophomore DJ James to replace him on the outside.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...iots-week-1-preview-drake-maye-josh-mcdaniels

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders Week 1: A whole lot of Brock Bowers

Brock Bowers is that dude.

The Las Vegas Raiders second-year tight end had a phenomenal record-setting rookie campaign and proved all the draft prognosticators right when they dubbed the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft an pro-ready prospect. Hauling in 112 passes for 1,194 yards with five touchdowns, the records, First-Team All-Pro, and Pro Bowl accolades Bowers garnered was simply proof of that.

And at just 22 years old (won’t turn 23 until Dec. 13), the Georgia product still has untapped potential.

Heading into the 2025 season, Bowers now has a legitimate starting quarterback Geno Smith distributing the ball and a creative Chip Kelly at offensive coordinator instead of a duo of mediocrity at signal caller, two offensive coordinators who are no longer calling plays with their new teams.

All of which makes Bowers’ sophomore campaign in Silver & Black all the more tantalizing.

Las Vegas season opener on the road at the New England Patriots this Sunday should feature this: A whole lot of Brock.

“The Raiders are a tough team; they have playmakers all over the field. They have one of the best tight ends, [Brock Bowers], and RB [Ashton Jeanty]. It will be a great challenge for us as a defense.”

Former Raiders LB Robert Spillane, now a captain with the Patriots, on facing… pic.twitter.com/pNmTsXzFwR

— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) September 2, 2025

By all accounts, the Raiders ran vanilla schemes in all three phases during preseason tilts. And we should see Kelly’s full gamut of play calling starting in Week 1 and beyond. We saw fleeting glimpses of the offensive coordinator’s ability to scheme receiving options open along with varying differences in blocking schemes in the run game.

Expect more variation in alignments, pre-snap motion, and putting his players in the best possible position to succeed by being flexible and not rigid when it comes to Kelly’s philosophy and beliefs.

With an experienced quarterback Smith helming the offense, Las Vegas’ play caller is going to lean on the veteran signal caller both in terms of execution and idealization.

“They’re doing great. I think part of it leads from Geno, because Geno’s been around. He’s played for a lot of coaches, and he’s been in league for a while,” Kelly said of the Raiders adaptation to his offense. “There’s been a lot of collaboration with him. He’s got a great point of view in terms of the game of football. He the smartest guy I’ve ever been around playing the game. So, really excited about what he feels comfortable in. And that’s what this deal is, when we’re going in these games, is, what do our players feel comfortable in? Because it really doesn’t matter what we know, because we’re not playing the game. It’s really, ‘How does Geno feel in terms of game plan’, and he has a lot of input on it. And so we’ll kind of roll from there.”

To get the Raiders offense rolling, a constant Smith-Bowers connection is a must-do in New England. To maximize both offensive output on defensive stress on the Patriots, Kelly would be wise to place Bowers in multiple spots in a variety of alignments: Traditional in-line tight end, out wide at the X or Z, in the slot, and in the backfield. Kelly spent a long time in the collegiate game — most recently orchestrating the national championship winning Ohio State Buckeyes last season — and is well aware of Bowers’ exploits at Georgia and how the Bulldogs moved the chess piece talent around.

Smith is no dummy either, noting back in early August: “I think Brock is one of one when it comes to tight ends in this league.”

Geno Smith to Brock Bowers!

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ABiXuAYqzL

— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2025

“I mean, the talent is obvious, right? Like the talent that he has, a big body who runs like a receiver, runs like a slot receiver, catches like an X receiver or a Z receiver, blocks like a tight end,” Smith began when talking about Bowers as a talent, “I mean, he’s got the full gamut of what you want from a tight end, prototypical, but I think it’s the off the field and just his overall demeanor, man. A guy who comes every day ready to work. Doesn’t really speak much, but a great teammate, great leader, and then every single day, he’s out there working hard.

“I mean, from the minute we step on the field, he’s giving you 110 percent and that’s like — you got guys like him, like Maxx (Crosby), all these guys are the spitting image of what you want to be as a Raider. And man, Brock’s (Bowers) a guy like, if I could say like, ‘Hey man, watch this guy and emulate him,’ that’s the guy you want to be like.”

Time to reward that work ethic with some prime opportunities in Week 1, no?

Granted, New England — helmed by defensive-minded head coach Mike Vrabel — is going to have a plan to take Bowers out of the equation. But plans can go awry, especially trying to defend a prime time player that is difficult to even marginally disrupt. Force the Patriots to commit more resources to defend the 6-foot-4 and 235-pound Bowers and that opens up the other weaponry the Raiders bring to the table.

Head-to-Head​

The Raiders and Patriots have met 38 times (35 regular season games, 3 playoff matchups). New England leads the all-time series 20-17-1. Las Vegas is riding a two-game win streak in the series with a 30-24 victory in 2022 and a 21-17 win in the last meeting in 2023. Before that, the Patriots won six games in a row.

The last time the Raiders won in New England was all the way back in 1994 when the Los Angeles variant of the Silver & Black toppled the Patriots 21-17.

That was a contest that saw Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler and Patriots signal caller Drew Bledsoe each throwing three interceptions. Raiders cornerback Terry McDaniel snared all three picks, including housing one interception for a 44-yard touchdown.

Quote of Note​

“Oh, man, I mean it feels like my first day, my first game in the NFL. It’s always so special to me
running out that tunnel with my teammates, got the Raider logo on, and just looking up and just kind of
thinking about what it took to get here. There’s always that moment, a gratifying moment of just like, ‘Hey,
man, year 13.’ But then, you get right back to work. So, very thankful, very blessed to be in this position,
but looking forward to going out there and producing.”

—Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Geno Smith on how this opener compares to others he’s experienced

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...t/108718/raiders-week-1-brock-bowers-patriots

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders vs. Patriots: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming and more

Pete Carroll era with the Las Vegas Raiders begins Sunday at the New England Patriots. History is being made again for the Silver and Black as the Super Bowl-winning Carroll takes over. Here’s what you need to know about the game:

Game info:

Records: The Raiders are 0-0, the Patriots are 0-0.

TV Schedule

Date: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. PT

Channel: CBS.

Announcers: Spero Deres, Adam Archuleta, Aditi Kinkhabwala.

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Ma.

Radio: KOMP 92.3 FM and KRLV “Raider Nation Radio” 920 AM

Watch on mobile:

Live game streams are available on the following platforms for those in-market*:

• Raiders + Allegiant Stadium App (iOS and Android devices)
• Raiders.com on iOS mobile devices (Safari browser only via this direct link)

Weather: Lows 70s and mostly sunny.

Betting: Patriots -2.5, 42.5 O/U at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Follow Silver and Black Pride on social media!​

Twitter – @SilverBlakPride

Facebook – Silver and Black Pride

Opponent Blog: Pats Pulpit.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ders-patriots-how-watch-tv-schedule-streaming

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Mailbag: How can Raiders hide linebackers in coverage?

We made it! The long road from the offseason to the regular season is finally over, and our reward is getting to watch some Las Vegas Raiders football! Week 1 brings an interesting matchup for the Raiders, squaring off against the New England Patriots and several familiar faces.

But before that, we have this week’s mailbag to get to.

Q: How do you hide your linebackers in coverage and stop teams from targeting Elandon Roberts and Devin White with play-action on early downs? Kyle Shanahan laid out a blueprint on how to move the ball against the Raiders’ defense.

A: Besides simply taking them off the field and heavily leaning on nickel (five defensive backs, two linebackers) and/or dime (six defensive backs, one linebacker) personnel, the easiest way (in my opinion) is to run a lot of Cover 1. That way, at least one of the linebackers is the low-hole defender, meaning their primary responsibility is to support the defensive backs on any throws to the middle of the field, rather than be responsible for covering a man or area of the field by themselves.

Granted, unless the defense is in dime, there still will be one linebacker who is in man coverage. But typically, that will be against a running back who is on a checkdown route or stays in the backfield for pass protection. Teams that run a lot of wheel routes out of the backfield or have a back that’s heavily involved in the passing game can still exploit that matchup, though.

So, Cover 1 isn’t a perfect solution, but you’re at least minimizing the risk. Also, the defense has to have defensive backs who can be sticky in coverage consistently, which is hard to do/find.

The other way to hide linebackers in coverage is by muddying the pre-snap look for the quarterback. That can be achieved by having the backers line up on the line of scrimmage, so they must be accounted for in the protection scheme. Then, they can drop into coverage or rush the passer with someone else, like an edge rusher, dropping into coverage. In other words, a simulated pressure.

Also, simply disguising the coverage by showing a two-safety look pre-snap and rotating to one-high post-snap, or vice versa. Basically, changing the picture on the quarterback or mixing things up so that he has to think and read the defense on the fly, rather than knowing where he can go with the ball before it’s snapped. I think this will be the strategy for Pete Carroll and Patrick Graham this season, given that the Raiders’ secondary also has question marks.

Q: Which linebackers do you expect to play on passing downs?

A: That’s a good question, and one I’m curious about, too. My best guess would be Geramine Pratt and Jamal Adams, with Devin White mixed in as a potential pass-rusher/blitzer.

Using the Cover 1 example above, Pratt can be decent at helping take away the middle of the field by making plays on the ball, since that’s what he did in 2022 when he had 10 passes defended for the Bengals. Obviously, that was a few years ago, though, and he doesn’t have the same movement skills that he used to have. Meanwhile, Adams’ background as a safety can help him match up against running backs.

Pratt could get picked on in the middle of the field in zone coverage, but he’s the Raiders’ best option at MIKE on passing downs, unless they get into dime personnel and put Adams there. Also, it wouldn’t surprise me if Graham tries to use White and Adams as pass-rush threats with the simulated pressures mentioned above.

Q: With much of the attention on the CB2 spot in the secondary, there has not been much talk of Darnay Holmes filling in at Nickel. I’m very interested in what he’s looked like all camp/preseason. It seems like the coaching staff’s first choice was going to be to move Jeremy Chinn into the big nickel before the injury to Lonnie Johnson. Has Holmes been running with the 1s at Nickel all summer? Has he gotten many reps outside?

A: Hey, I’ve been pounding the table for a while that Las Vegas should address the nickel spot and find an upgrade over Holmes! LOL.

I wasn’t at training camp, so I can’t speak to how Holmes looked there. But I will say it wasn’t as if he was generating a lot of buzz, and the beat reporters who are at practice will focus on who is standing out that time of year.

In the preseason, I’d say he was more neutral than good or bad. For example, Pro Football Focus had Holmes playing 38 snaps across all three games and only getting targeted twice while making one tackle and recording one pressure. Both targets went for incompletions, though, so there’s that.

Ultimately, how the Raiders are going to approach the nickelback/slot corner position is another question mark and will be something to monitor throughout the season.

Tarheel Raider
What is going to be the biggest liability for the Raiders on defense, and where do you expect the defense to be surprisingly strong?

A: Cornerback is going to be the biggest liability to me. It’s a lot of young guys and Eric Stokes, so Pete Carroll is putting a lot of faith in his ability to get the most out of that position. Carroll has the track record to get some leway with that heading into the season, but the position group definitely warrants skepticism.

I think most people are expecting the defensive end spot to be strong with Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce, so I’ll go with safety for surprisingly strong.

Jeremy Chinn is already a quality player and, while I’m not sold on the guy, Isaiah Pola-Mao has shown some promise to take the next step in what will be his second year as a starter. Also, I’m not ready to give up on Chris Smith II and think he could take a leap this year after having a solid preseason.

Q: A follow-up on all the “why didn’t they show patience with Tommy Mellott” questions: Why were they determined to play him only as a wide receiver instead of putting him in more of a “Joker” role a la Taysom Hill? Seems like he would’ve been a great triple threat to run, pass or catch, and we keep hearing how creative Chip Kelly can be.

A: Unfortunately, that’s another question I wish I had a better answer for. If I had to guess, the coaching staff didn’t want to throw too much at Mellott since he’s a rookie making the jump from the FCS to the NFL and changing positions.

However, I completely understand the frustration because the organization raved about his potential to play multiple positions — a la the “Joker” role you’re suggesting — and then just kept him at receiver. On that note, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the franchise that found a way for Taysom Hill to have nearly a decade-long career in the NFL added Mellott to its practice squad. I imagine the Saints have a plan for the rookie that is similar to the one they had for Hill roughly 10 years ago.

Dafe2cat
So what do you think Matt, does Spy/PC bring up a practice squad guy or sign a vet? For this week’s game a vet won’t help I suppose, so for future games.

A: The Raiders called Justin Shorter up from the practice squad to the active roster and re-signed Phillip Dorsett to the practice squad. So, it seems like the plan is to have Shorter and Dorsett be the veteran wide receivers at the bottom of the depth chart.

If they do chose to reverse course and sign a veteran free agent, the wideouts below would be the top options, in my opinion.

In no particular order:

• Diontae Johnson
• Kendrick Bourne
• Robert Woods
• Nelson Agholor
• Odell Beckham Jr.

Obviously, the pickings are slim at this stage. But all of those guys have been productive in the past (albiet, it’s been a while for some of them) and have exprience playing from multiple alginments, which I what I think the Raiders were hoping for with Amari Cooper.

Q: If I understand you correctly, if a team had claimed Laki Tasi, they not only have to keep him on the 53-man roster for 3 weeks, but they then could not stash him on their Practice Squad? They’d either have to pay and keep him or cut him, and another team (like the Raiders) could grab him and put him on their P.S. Is that right?

A: For context, this is a follow-up question from last week, so take a look at last week’s column if you’re looking for background information.

If another team claimed Tasi, yes, they would have had to keep him on the roster for at least three weeks. After that time period, the team could waive him and another club could claim him off waivers and put him on the 53-man roster. But if Tasi cleared waivers the second time, he can sign with any team’s practice squad, including the one that just let him go.

The rules get a little funky with IPP eligibility, but that’s how waivers work with regular players.

Q: Jackson Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center, and in year 2, he has lost the starting center position and will play at RG. Trey Taylor won the Jim Thorpe award as the best DB in college football – 2023 seventh-round pick, released this week. Alex Leatherwood won the Outland blocking trophy – first round pick, year 2, he was released. How can there be such a vast disparity between how these players are regarded in college, where they are drafted and how they perform in the NFL?

A: I still contend that Powers-Johnson’s best position is center. His move to guard had more to do with the new regime thinking Jordan Meredith has a brighter future at center, and they wanted to keep their five best offensive linemen on the field. But, I digress and understand where you’re question is coming from.

Ultimately, the league’s decision-makers do not care about how many awards a draft prospect has won in college. They focus on the traits that translate to the NFL. For example, while there have only been three, we have seen Heisman Trophy winners not even get drafted. Also, there are plenty of Heismans who ended up being busts at the next level.

A lot of those “individual” awards in college are really more team accomplishments, especially when it comes to offensive linemen, where voters don’t have stats to lean on. Leatherwood is a good example of that since he was the starting left tackle for Alabama’s 2020 National Championship team, but was considered a first-round reach and quickly flamed out in the league.

Also, the college game is a lot different than the NFL, more so than I think most people realize. The rules are a little different, the hashmarks are wider, size isn’t as big of a deal, the difference in talent level between opposing teams is a lot bigger, etc. So, success in college doesn’t always translate to success in the pros.

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That’ll do it for this week’s mailbag. Thank you all for submitting questions and, as your weekly reminder, if you’d like to have your questions answered in a future column, tweet them at me, @MHolder95, email them to [email protected] or look for our weekly call for questions on the site. The latter will continue to publish on Thursdays.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ts-week-1-mailbag-elandon-roberts-devin-white

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders open as underdogs Week 2 vs. the Los Angeles Chargers

The Las Vegas Raiders got their first win of the season on Sunday. Pete Carroll led the Raiders to a 20-13 victory on the road to start his tenure as the head coach.

Following a massive road win, the Raiders now head back to Las Vegas. There, they will host the Los Angeles Chargers. Justin Herbert is 2-3 as a starter vs the Silver and Black on the road, and the rivalry between Jim Harbaugh and Carroll will be the story of the week.

Fanduel Sportsbook posted odds for all the games of the second week of the season. The Raiders are 3-point underdogs against the Los Angeles Chargers with an over/under (O/U) of 44.5.

A full slate of matchups this week to start NFL action. The biggest favorites for the upcoming games, according to Fanduel, are the Baltimore Ravens -11.5 over the Cleveland Browns.

Check out the opening odds below:

Chargers vs. Raiders

Moneyline: Chargers -166 Raiders +140

Opening point spread: -3.0

Opening point total: 44.5

For the complete list of Week 2 opening odds around the league, visit our friends at Fanduel.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-underdogs-week-2-vs-the-los-angeles-chargers