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[Las Vegas Raiders]

Silver Minings: Week 1 AFC West roundup, Chiefs in dead last

The Las Vegas Raiders walked away from Week 1 with a big 20-13 victory over the New England Patriots to start the 2025 regular season 1-0 and with a chance to head into next week’s Monday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in first place for the AFC West. So, let’s take a look at how the Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos fared this weekend.

Chiefs vs. Chargers​

Score: 27-21 Chargers win

LAC Stats:

• QB Justin Herbert: 25/34, 318 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 7 rushes, 32 yards
• RB Omarion Hampton: 15 carries, 48 yards
• WR Quentin Johnston: 5 catches, 79 yards, 2 TDs
• WR Keenan Allen: 7 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
• LB Daiyan Henley: 8 tackles, 1 sack
• S Derwin James Jr.: 7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 QB Hit

KC Stats:

• QB Patrick Mahomes: 24/39, 258 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 6 rushes, 57 yards, 1 rushing TD
• RB Isiah Pacheco: 5 carries, 25 yards
• WR Hollywood Brown: 10 catches, 99 yards
• TE Travis Kelce: 2 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD
• LB Drue Tranquill: 5 tackles, 2 sacks
• EDGE George Karlaftis: 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs

Kansas City is looking to make it 10 straight division titles this season, but the team got off to the wrong start as the Chiefs are currently in last place at 0-1. Mahomes and the offense are still trying to fight through last season’s woes, and wide receiver Xavier Worthy suffering a dislocated shoulder in Friday’s loss certainly doesn’t help matters. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s defense is searching for answers after getting shredded by Herbert.

Speaking of, who would have thought a Jim Harbaugh-led team would call 41 dropbacks/passing plays in a game where they were winning? And that Johnston would be the Chargers’ leading receiver? It was an impressive showing for Los Angeles as the Bolts did what they couldn’t do last season: beat the Chiefs.

KC Next Game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

LAC Next Game: @ Las Vegas Raiders (MNF)

Titans vs. Broncos​

Score: 20-12 Broncos win

Stats:

• QB Bo Nix: 25/40, 176 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 8 rushes, 18 yards (1 fumble)
• RB J.K. Dobbins: 16 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD
• RB RJ Harvey: 6 carries, 70 yards
• WR Courtland Sutton: 6 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
• CB Riley Moss: 7 tackles, 2 PDs
• EDGE Nik Bonitto: 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs, 3 QB hits

Denver’s defense picked up right where it left off, sacking Cam Ward six times in the rookie’s debut. Even more impressively, it was six different defenders who got to the quarterback. However, the Broncos’ offense was bad for most of the afternoon, primarily due to Nix’s three turnovers. Obviously, it didn’t end up costing them the game, but the team will need much better quarterback play to be the contender most think they will be this year.

Next game: @ Indianapolis Colts

AFC West Standings​

1. Los Angeles Chargers 1-0
2. Las Vegas Raiders 1-0
3. Denver Broncos 1-0
4. Kansas City Chiefs 0-1

In Other Raiders’ Links:​

• Raiders ILBs flash: “The Raiders’ leading tackler was Devin White, who logged 11 tackles (8 solo), a TFL, and added a team-leading 5 stops,” Silver and Black Pride’s Tristen Kuhn wrote. “…Germaine Pratt logged an 80.1 PFF grade while playing 65 snaps for the team. Pratt was 3rd on the team in tackles with 8 (1 solo), and also added 3 stops and a PBU.”
• What they’re saying after win vs. Patriots: The internet reacts to the Week 1 victory for Las Vegas.
• Every catch by Brock Bowers: NFL media has video of all 5 catches and 103 yards that the tight end had in the season opener.
• Geno Smith rewards franchise’s confidence in him: “I’m me,” Smith said Sunday when asked about the root of his self-confidence, via The Athletic’s Tashan Reed. “That’s all I think about. I don’t think about nothing else. I’m me. I know who I am. I know what I can do. … I just know who I am, and I know what I can do on that field, so I never worry.”

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...s/109268/raiders-news-week-1-afc-west-roundup

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Projecting Jakobi Meyers’ Free Agent Market

The Raiders inked Jakobi Meyers’ back in 2022 to a 3 year, 33 million contract and the Raiders couldn’t be more pleased with the return Meyers has given them. Meyers posted 71 rec, 807 yards, and 8 TD in 2023 as the Raiders primary second WR to Davante Adams. Meyers caught 11 contested catches (52.4%) and did drop 5 targets (5.3%). Both marks in 2023 were below his career averages of 62.8% on contested catches on 3.6% on drops. In 2024, Meyers was still slated to be the Raiders second WR, after a rough start to the season the team moved on from veteran superstar Davante Adams and relied on Meyers to be their top receiving target after Brock Bowers. Meyers didn’t disappoint posting 1027 yards and four touchdowns on 87 receptions while also not recording a single drop and adding a 66.7% contested catch rate (16 contested catches).

Jakobi Meyers is the only WR since 2000 to have 95+ Targets in a season and a Drop% of 0.0% pic.twitter.com/4lSx5sHhhE

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) December 11, 2024

The 6’2, 210 former UDFA from NC State, Meyers was just one of three NFL WRs last season to post over 1000 yards, have a 4% or lower drop rate, and a 55% or higher contested catch rate. When you expand that to lower than 5% drop rate, Meyers was still just one of eight wide receivers to accomplish those feats. The Raiders WR also ranked 32nd in yac/reception, 18th in targets, and 19th in first downs. Meyers accomplish these despite having three different quarterbacks, and arguably what was the worst passing attack in football. On targets 0-10 yards from the LOS Meyers was 4th in yards, 7th in receptions, and 3rd in contested catch rate, when expanding to 20+ yard targets Meyers was 11th in receptions, 1st in contested catches, and 15th in yards/reception. Meyers has seen steady consistent success and he’s shown the ability to be a “wide receiver 1” in the NFL. While he’s not the same player as many other elite top wide receivers, it’s arguably that he’s a top 25 receiver in the NFL, and at only 28 (turning 29 in November), Meyers has a lot left in his tank. The Raiders will deploy the best quarterback play that Meyers will have in his Raiders tenure in 2025 though they’ll also likely have the most talented offense at the same time. The Raiders did draft Jack Bech in the 2nd round and Bech compares favorably to Meyers in a lot of aspects, which could signal the end for his time in Vegas. Additionally, Tre Tucker and Dont’e Thornotn have made strides as young players and with Thornton potentially being a top rookie WR this season there’s a youth swing potentially happening in Las Vegas.

2026 Market Preview:​

The 2026 WR market is deep with notable names such as Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk, TuTu Atwell, Rashid Shaheed, George Pickens, Jauan Jennings, Romeo Doubs, and Alec Pierce slated to hit the open market. It’s likely that Evans and Samuel will end up re-signing with their respective teams but after those a case can be made that Meyers is the best option available along with Cowboys’ George Pickens. Currently Meyers is projected to receive a 3 year, 63M contract at 43M guaranteed which would put him as the 23rd highest paid WR around the likes of Stefon Diggs, Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Davante Adams in terms of AAV (ironic I know). At 29 years old, Meyers would be the youngest of those receivers and also one of the top young options on the market as well. Las Vegas could consider getting an extension done with Meyers, which would likely allow them to get him slightly below market value. It remains to be seen if the Raiders will start negotiations with Meyers after not engaging in talks during the summer and training camp. While Las Vegas may not have a ton of interest in getting a contract done, other teams will be extremely interested in getting something done in the open market if things get there.

Jakobi Meyers went for over 1,000 yards last season and had 0 (!) drops on 126 targets, 87 catches.

He’s an excellent separator with fantastic hands who’s still only 28 years old.

You will not find a better semi-realistic #Jets WR target who would be an actually sizable upgrade https://t.co/mLSBAgc4Gc

— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) August 25, 2025

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...09099/raiders-jakobi-meyers-free-agent-market

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Devin White shines in Raiders debut

There was plenty to like about the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense in the Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots, as the Patriots were held to just 13 points. One of the unit’s biggest standouts was linebacker Devin White, who led the team with 11 total tackles.

White stood out the most as a run defender, collecting four ‘defensive stops’ at a 26.7 percent rate, per Pro Football Focus. Those figures ranked third and first, respectively, among linebackers for the week (pre-Monday Night Football). Additionally, he was targeted five times and allowed just two receptions for 14 yards while adding another ‘defensive stop’ in coverage.

With that, let’s dive into the tape and break down the linebacker’s impressive afternoon.

Devin White led the #Raiders with 11 tackles and his instincts against the run were a big reason why. Nice job shooting the gap here pic.twitter.com/KmZ3cKFBVj

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 8, 2025

White’s instincts against the run were the primary reason he made so many plays on Sunday, and this first clip is a good example.

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham deserves credit for this rep, too, as he had a great call for this play from the Patriots. Graham has White and Thomas Booker (the nose tackle) gap exchange where Booker works toward the weakside A-gap or across the center’s face post-snap.

Meanwhile, New England is trying to trap or wham block the nose tackle with the tight end, where the center is supposed to leave the defensive lineman and work up to the second level. However, since Booker’s first move is toward the weakside A-gap, the center can’t get off the line and the tight end is late to adjust. That’s where White’s instincts come in, as he crashes downhill to shoot the gap and make the tackle at the line of scrimmage by the time the tight end adjusts to block him.

A great call from Graham and even better execution from White and Booker.

Similar to the 1st clip, White shoots the gap to get a TFL. Also a good rep from Thomas Booker to occupy 2 blockers, freeing the LB up pic.twitter.com/59qpDi8RWk

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 8, 2025

This next clip is similar to the last one, where Graham has White and Booker gap exchange, and it’s the perfect play call for what the Patriots are running.

The Pats try to run a lead zone where the fullback is supposed to block the linebacker and the center takes care of the nose tackle. However, since the defensive lineman slants in the opposite A-gap and wins across the center’s face, the fullback has to adjust to pick up the defensive lineman. That leaves White free, as he shoots the gap again to get a tackle for loss.

White from the backside of power, great read and meets the RB in the hole #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/1FPqnawpNI

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 8, 2025

New England tries to get creative here, where tight end Hunter Henry is split out wide but in a reduced split so that he can work across the formation and block the last playside defender on the line of scrimmage. Technically, this is ‘duo’, but it’s really just power where the backside tight end/wide receiver pulls instead of the guard or tackle.

Meanwhile, White steps toward the line of scrimmage initially to be in a position to take away the playside A-gap and then recognizes the play design. Once the running back passes the A-gap, the linebacker knows he can leave his assignment to make the play and does a great job of working over the top of the formation to meet the back in the hole for a short gain.

This is especially encouraging because White shows off some impressive lateral movement skills, which he lacked last season.

Another run stuff from Devin White. Love the patience and how he shoots the gap #Raiders pic.twitter.com/Erb19fxdK0

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 8, 2025

This next play comes on third and one, and is another great example of White shooting the gap. What’s impressive about this rep is that he stays patient to let the opening develop, and then attacks downhill to meet the running back at the line of scrimmage and come up with the run stuff.

Also, another nice rep from Booker, who gets penetration against the guard, slowing down the running back in the backfield to help the linebacker make the play.

Nice rep in coverage from Devin White, protects the middle of the field and closes on the WR to get the 3rd down stop #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/vxPosVXpn7

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 8, 2025

Finally, we’ll wrap up with White’s best play in coverage from Sunday.

Las Vegas is running a fire zone where the backer opens to the three-receiver side of the offense’s three-by-one formation. His primary responsibility is to take away any crossing routes near the sticks and then rally to the ball against any other route from the No. 3 receiver (furthest inside receiver at the bottom of the screen).

White executes that perfectly, quickly driving on the out route from the wideout to come up with the coverage stop on third down, forcing a field goal attempt.

---

Overall, White does still have some room for improvement when it comes to taking on blocks in the running game. But the movement skills that he showed in both phases of the game last Sunday were very encouraging for his outlook moving forward.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...321/raiders-week-1-devin-white-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Projecting Dylan Parham’s Free Agent Market

The Raiders have a ton of free agents set to hit the open market following this season, and one of the key players is 2021 3rd rounder Dylan Parham. Parham has had an up and down start to his NFL season, the 26 year old doesn’t have the biggest size at guard (6’3/290) though he has gotten himself to around 315 pounds going into 2025 which could be a massive factor for him in 2025. Parham was originally seen as a center prospect coming out of Memphis but he’s only played 219 snaps there in his NFL career. As a rookie Parham logged 789 snaps at LG, 137 at C, and 110 at RG while allowing 6 sacks and 55 pressures. The main issues for Parham came when he was playing left guard. The Raiders decided to keep Parham at LG going into 2023 where he made strides allowing just one sack and 26 pressures across over a thousand snaps. 2024 seemed that it would be the year Parham continues at one position, but Las Vegas decided to slide Parham to right guard where he did take strides overall, seeing his PFF grade jump 14 points to a 74.3 while his RBLK grade jumped up nearly 20 points to a 75.6. Parham excelled as a run blocker during his rookie campaign paving the way with nearly 5.4 ypc when lead blocking, in 2023 that number fell to 4.1 and in 2024 it bounced back up to 4.8 despite the team’s massive struggles in the running game overall. Parham did allow 5 sacks and 36 pressures in 2024 largely due to a 22 pressure and 2 sack period in weeks 12-15 (Parham did not allow more than 2 pressures in any game other than that span)

The Raiders decided once again to move Parham back to the left side headed into 2025 and in a contract year Parham has decided to take strides so far during training camp and preseason. After originally being the potential odd man out with Meredith, Powers-Johnson, Cappa, and Parham competing for three spots. Parham quickly beat out the other three and guaranteed himself the starting left guard spot almost immediately into training camp. The Raiders drafted Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant in the third round of the 2025 draft which could play a role in whether or not Parham returns in 2026. Grant has the potential to push 2024 3rd rounder DJ Glaze into guard and Rogers needs to develop at a quick pace to have any chance at starting in 2026 but there’s the possibility he does take those steps.

Dylan Parham has clearly taken a step up from last year. He looks like a stud out there. Reaching, anchoring, footwork all looks super clean. #Raiders pic.twitter.com/CjVsYER1N9

— Sanjit T. (@Sanjit__T) August 17, 2025

2026 Market Preview:​

Looking into the 2026 free agent market, Guard seems relatively weak. Browns standouts Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller headline the market, both with Bitonio pushing 36 at the start of next year and Teller 33 it’s tough to see them earning more than 7.5-10M a season. Former Raiders 4th round selection John Simpson does headline the market as well and he’ll only be 30 years old which will likely give him the chance for a 4 year contract north of 13M a season. Other notable options include Jets Alijah Vera-Tucker (will be coming off torn Tricep), Bills Connor McGovern, Giants Evan Neal, Chargers Zion Johnson and Jamaree Salyer, and Browns Teven Jenkins. Behind Simpson, Bitonio, and Teller the next top option will be Parham. With a track record of 1000+ snaps in 2/3 season (970 in the 3rd season), Parham has shown consistency to stay on the field, has positional flexibility between LG, C, and RG and all while only being 27 when the 2026 season starts. Current projections have Parham earning a 3 year, 40M contract at 13.33M a season with 31M being guaranteed. The projection would make Parham among the top 10 highest paid guards, which does seem rich, though given the weak market and value of youth on the offensive line, it’s likely that Parham does earn a rich contract much to some Raiders fans surprise.

Parham has largely struggled with his power and core strength through his first three seasons but now pushing closer to 320 pounds there’s a good chance these issues have been mostly resolved with the added mass and strength, especially in pass rush. As a run blocker, through the preseason Parham still looked as good, if not better, than he did at the peak of his first three seasons mainly due to his extremely physical playstyle. Parham has all the traits to be a high end guard for a long time, and at only 26 years old it’s likely he continues to develop and earn a lucrative contract.

#PunishSpinners (Dylan Parham) pic.twitter.com/GdV6NyTDP6

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) March 29, 2024

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/las-vegas-raiders-free-agency/109096/raiders-dylan-parham-market

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders Week 1: What cornerback rotation?

Eric Stokes and Kyu Blu Kelly didn’t come off the field in the Las Vegas Raiders’ season-opening road win against the New England Patriots this past Sunday.

So much for the cornerback rotation head coach Pete Carroll hinted would happen, eh?

At least, for one game.

Stokes, who had locked down a starting outside spot from the onset, logged 71 defensive snaps in Week 1, as did Kelly, a surprise riser in the offseason. While Stokes (26 years old, in his fifth year, and finished with five total tackles and stop for loss in the opener) was a mainstay as a starting corner, it was the spot opposite him that was wide open.

For a good portion of camp, 2025 third-round pick Darien Porter was the tag team partner on the opposite boundary of Stokes. Instead, Kelly (24 years old, in his third year, and finished with nine total tackles and a pass deflection) got the starting nod while Porter didn’t play a lick on defense and instead notched 20 special teams snaps.

“He did a nice job. He got challenged. They went after him. They throw the ball a lot to the split inside, and he wound up over there. He had some challenges,” Carroll said when asked about Kelly’s performance. “I totally disagreed with the PI on the play. I thought it was a heck of a play that he made. He was on guys the whole time, and he tackled well and supported well out of the secondary, and the secondary contained situations, and when the ball bounces to the corner, he was there. I thought he played a really nice game.”

#Raiders third-round pick Darien Porter was a starter in camp for a while. He didn't play any snaps on defense in Week 1.

— Bill Williamson (@BWilliamsonNFL) September 8, 2025

Fitting The Bill​

With the size and speed profile that meets the Carroll requisites (6-foot-1, 4.28 second 40-yard dash timed speed, and 32 3/4 inch arms), Stokes not leaving the field in the Week 1 win isn’t surprising. The 71 snaps in the opener represent the second-highest defensive snap count in his career. He logged 72 in his rookie season with the Green Bay Packers (who picked him 29th overall in the 2021 draft).

He’s long been light in the takeaway department since entering the league (one interception which he snagged as a rookie in 2021) and he has a penchant to play his defensive assignment versus the ball. But Stokes has the coaching staff in Las Vegas behind him and a clean bill of health. That’s something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

For Kelly, the 71 defensive snaps represents the most he’s played since entering the league as a fifth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 draft. His previous high, in terms of defensive snaps per game, was 17 for the Washington Commanders back in 2023 and then 14 for the Raiders last season.

At 6-feet, 188 pounds, and 32-inch arms, Kelly fits the Carroll profile, albeit at a slower speed (4.52 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine).

The Stanford product played well and wasn’t a liability in coverage. Kelly displayed a willingness to mix it up defending the run, getting down and dirty. Kelly also showcased good makeup speed, eyes on the ball, and swatting it away from Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins on a 4th day play, however, he was flagged for defensive pass interference.

Pete Carroll gave Kyu Blu Kelly the opportunity to compete for a starting job this offseason and training camp. Please just take 2 mins out of your day and watch Kyu in his first career start. Well done young man. pic.twitter.com/Lwbj5VLKI0

— Kirk Morrison (@kirkmorrison) September 8, 2025

Rotation Still Possible?​

“In a state of flux” was a nice way to sum up the Raiders cornerback room once the dust cleared from cutdown day and the season opener descended upon us. The names: Stokes, Kelly, Porter, Darnay Holmes, and Decamerion Richardson doesn’t necessarily strike fear into opposing offenses or instill confidence in Raider Nation.

But here we are. Although, clarity appears on its way.

Stokes and Kelly need to maintain their respective high level of play, lest they be surpassed by equally hungry and eager cornerbacks on the roster. Like the two starters in Week 1, Porter and Richardson boast the size and speed at 6-foot-2 and clocking in 4.30-flat, and 4.34 timed speed, respectively.

Holmes, meanwhile, at 5-foot-10 and 198 pounds has the look of a mainstay at slot cornerback when Las Vegas doesn’t deploy the big nickel look that has safety Jeremy Chinn dropping down and covering inside.

Carroll is all about competition and that doesn’t end after camp.

“I don’t know. We haven’t really nailed that one, what it was, but there was a shift,” Carroll explained when asked what switch flipped for Kelly. “Coming out of the offseason, I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t see it because he was kind of bouncing around different spots a little bit, played a little bit of nickel and all that. But it was about now probably three weeks ago that there was some clarity here, that something’s happening. And there’s rumblings coming on where 36 was playing, and so we just gave him more chances. Didn’t we start him in the third preseason game? Yeah, that was in response to how he had picked it up to see what he looked like. And he’s just done a really, really good job.”

Extra Points​

Joining the all-snap club on defense in Week 1 were: Defensive end Maxx Crosby (unsurprisingly), safeties Isaiah Pola-Mao and Jeremy Chinn, and linebacker Devin White. Fellow linebacker Germaine Pratt played 92 percent of the snaps (65).

Offensively, the starting offensive line and quarterback Geno Smith didn’t come off the field notching 63 snaps. Wide receivers Jakobi Meyers (59) and Tre Tucker (57) rarely came off the field and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty logged 54 snaps.

Over on special teams, linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Lindenberg played 24 snaps apiece (83 percent of the group’s total) with cornerbacks Porter and Richardson each logging 20 snaps.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...09411/raiders-week-1-what-cornerback-rotation

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2023 draft class: Michael Mayer makes presence felt

Let’s look at how the players remaining from the 2023 draft class fared for the Las Vegas Raiders in a 20-13 win at the New England Patriots in Week 1 and moving forward in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers at home Monday night:

Tyree Wilson:

The No. 7 overall draft pick played 53 percent of the snap, which was in line with his playing time last season when he averaged 50 percent snap time. Wilson had three tackles and one sack. He was decent and if he can provide some consistent burst off the bench it will go a long way to helping this unit.

Michael Mayer:

The second-round pick from Notre Dame played 63.5 percent of the offensive plays and he had four catches for 38 yards. He only had or surpassed that amount of catches twice in 11 games last season. Raiders coach Pete Carroll said after Week 1 that they have two starting tight ends in Brock Bowers and Mayer. So, this might be a sign of things to come.

Tre Tucker:

The speedy third-round pick played 90 percent of the snaps in Week one and had two catches for 54 yards including a touchdown. It was a typical Tucker game. He played a lot, didn’t produce much and flashed when he did. We need to see more consistency from him.

Chris Smith:

The fifth-round safety from Georgia had a role that he’s had his entire career. He didn’t play any on defense and played 15 snaps on special teams. That’s what he is.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ders-2023-draft-class-michael-mayer-tight-end

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders injury news: Brock Bowers, Elandon Roberts don’t practice Thursday

The 1-0 Las Vegas Raiders began the practice week in preparation of Monday’s home against the 1-0 Los Angeles Chargers without star tight end Brock Bowers and starting linebacker Elandon Roberts.

Both were injured in the Raiders’ victory at the New England Patriots on Sunday. Roberts departed in the first half with an elbow injury and Bowers left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury.

Before practice, Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll said both players were part of the work through. Carroll was non-committal about practice, but indicated there was hope both players are on track to play Monday night. Every other player on the Raiders’ 53-man roster practiced Thursday.

Bowers told reporters Thursday he isn’t sure if he will play Monday, but is hopeful. Sunday, after the Patriots’ game, he said he thought he would be fine to face the Chargers. The team would like to get both Bowers and Roberts on the practice field by Saturday and the extra day before the game certainly helps.

Second-year player Tommy Eichenberg played some for Roberts and the Raiders used single tight-end sets with Michael Mayer when Bowers departed the game. Bowers played all 17 games last season. Roberts, 31, missed three games while with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...k-bowers-elandon-roberts-no-practice-thursday

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders-Chargers FEED topic: Nickelbacks vs. Ladd McConkey

As you may have noticed last week, we’re using the new ‘THE FEED’ page on the site to focus on one particular topic during Las Vegas Raiders games this season. This won’t replace our typical gameday open threads, which will still publish before kickoff, but is designed to be a place where we can focus on one specific topic and have a more in-depth conversation throughout the game.

Each week will have a different focus. For the season opener, it was Ashton Jeanty’s first game. And for the Monday Night Football matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, it will be how the Raiders’ defense/nickelbacks are performing against wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

I think this is a potential problem for the Raiders. The defense doesn’t have good slot cornerback options, especially after Darnay Holmes had a bad outing against the Patriots. Meanwhile, McConkey is coming off an excellent rookie season and was one of the league’s most productive slot receivers last year. Not to mention Keenan Allen returns to the Chargers’ offense.

So, I’ll be interested to see how Patrick Graham adjusts his game plan and/or if Holmes (or someone else) steps up this week to keep McConkey and Allen in check.

Head over to THE FEED on Monday night if you’re interested in joining this live conversation. I look forward to talkin’ some ball with y’all!

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ay-night-football-darnay-holmes-ladd-mcconkey

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Brock Bowers still out, Elandon Roberts practicing

There was some progress and and some continued injury questions for the 1-0 Las Vegas Raiders Friday during their second of three practice days in preparation of Monday’s home against the 1-0 Los Angeles Chargers as star tight end Brock Bowers is still not practicing, but starting linebacker Elandon Roberts did return, according to multiple reports.

Both were injured in the Raiders’ victory at the New England Patriots on Sunday. Roberts departed in the first half with an elbow injury and Bowers left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Also, starting guard Jackson Powers-Johnson was also not practicing Friday, but was present. He did practice Thursday.

Bowers told reporters Thursday he isn’t sure if he will play Monday, but is hopeful. Sunday, after the Patriots’ game, he said he thought he would be fine to face the Chargers. The team would like to get Bowers at practice Saturday and the extra day before the game helps. Roberts should be on track to face the Chargers barring a setback.

The Raiders used single tight-end sets with Michael Mayer when Bowers departed the game. Bowers played all 17 games last season.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ck-bowers-out-elandon-roberts-practice-friday

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Brock Bowers practiced Saturday, questionable to play against Chargers

The Las Vegas Raiders’ offense got a big boost Saturday when superstar tight end Brock Bowers practice, an indication he is on track to play Monday night for the 1-0 Raiders against the 1-0 Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night at home.

Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Saturday that Bowers “looked terrific” in practice. He is listed as questionable to play against the Chargers. Barring a setback, the chances seem solid that Bowers will be able to play.

Bowers missed Thursday and Friday’s practices after hurting his knee in a 20-13 victory at the New England Patriots on Sunday. While Bowers is track to play Monday, starting guard Jackson Powers-Johnson is out for Monday night as he missed his second straight day of practice Saturday. He was listed Friday on the injury list with a concussion that he apparently suffered at practice Thursday. He was ruled out later Saturday on the injury report.

Alex Cappa will start in Powers-Johnson’s place. Linebacker Elandon Roberts practiced Saturday for the second straight day after missing practice Thursday. He is not on the injury list and will play Monday.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...aturday-questionable-to-play-against-chargers

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders Offensive Personnel Breakdown: Week 1

The Las Vegas Raiders capped off week one with a 20-13 victory over the New England Patriots, there was a lot of key aspects of their week one victory but the most notable comes with their tendency’s for personnel groupings shaping how the offense could look going forward into the season.

The Raiders an 11 personnel (1 TE, 1 RB) on 51.61% of their week 1 plays which was slightly below the NFL’s average of 59.9%. The Raiders passed out of 11 personnel 59.3% of the time, above the NFL average of 51.8%. Their second most frequented grouping evolved out of 12 personnel (1 TE, 1 RB) where the Raiders rank 35.5% of their offensive snaps, passing on 63.65% of these snaps. Both ranked significantly above the NFL’s average where teams only ran 12 personnel on just 24.7% of their snaps and passed just 41% of the time. The Raiders emphasis on both 11 and 12 personnel doesn’t come as a surprise, given the tendency that 12 personnel was used in preseason. Despite this, Chip Kelly has always favored 11 personnel and 12 personnel mixed but usually leans more into an 11 personnel style which it seems is adapting to the Raiders in 2025. Along with 11 and 12 personnel, the Raiders ran 3 plays out of 13 personnel, all of which came in the redzone, though the Raiders weren’t overly efficient with -4.22 EPA (expected points added) which was 27th in the NFL for week 1.

The Raiders possess the personnel to effectively run both 11 and 12 personnel groupings, with tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer making up one of the NFL’s better duo’s. The Raiders do want to involve their receivers, and playing more often in a 11 personnel grouping will allow that. Headed into week 2, the Chargers saw 11 personnel on nearly 60% of their week 1 snaps and they allowed an average EPA of -0.73 on these snaps, compared to a 1.21 EPA on 12 personnel. Assuming Brock Bowers is healthy, look for the Raiders to lean more into a 12 personnel look against the Chargers.

In terms of formation groupings, the Raiders breakdown was as follows:

• 3×1: 38.71%
• 2×2: 27.5%
• 1×3: 22.6%
• 2×1: 6.45%
• 1×1: 1.61%

The Raiders seem to favor the 3×1 set running over 50% of their offensive snaps out of the formation and they saw a ton of success from the formation earning 11.72 EPA per pass attempt. Las Vegas is running this formation far higher than the NFL’s average of 41%. Las Vegas will likely tap back into this in week 2. 2×2 formations did not see as much success for the Raiders where they earned -2.31 EPA.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/general/109746/raiders-personnel-breakdown-patriots

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders-Chargers score: Live updates

Here are some live updates from the Las Vegas Raiders home game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday:

First quarter

What a bad start for new Raiders’ quarterback Geno Smith. On his first play as a Raider at home, Smith threw a bad interception and the Chargers got the ball inside the Raiders’ 30-yard line.

The Las Vegas defense did hold, forcing a three and out and a field-goal attempt. The Chargers converted a 38-yarder to make it 3-0.

The Raiders came back and tied the game on a 54-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson. The drive featured a 13-yard run by rookie running back Ashton Jeanty — the best run of his young career to this point — and a 20-yard pass play from Smith to rookie Dont’e Thornton on third and five. Former Raider Khalil Mack did sack Smith on the drive.

Raiders’ cornerbacks Eric Stokes both had early pass breakups. It continued their good start to the season from last week. The Chargers had to punt on their second drive. Good start for the Raiders’ defense.

The Chargers’ defensive front was getting the better of the Raiders’ offensive line early on and it hurt the run game. The Raiders to punt on drive after the Carlson field goal. Jeanty has been stopped for negative yardage on seven of his first 21 NFL carries.

The Chargers went down the field 72 yards in a 5-minute drive as Justin Herbert hit Keenan Allen for a 10-yard touchdown pass to take a 10-3 lead with 20 seconds to go in the first quarter.

Second quarter:

After a solid drive, the Raiders settled for another Carlson field goal to make it 10-6 with less than 10 minutes to go in the half.

Late in the second quarter, Herbert found a wide open Quentin Johnston for a 60-yard touchdown to give the Chargers a 17-6 lead with 1:51 to go in the half.

Smith threw an ill-advised interception at the goal line. He’s having a a rough game.

It’s Chargers 17, Raiders 6 at the half.

Chargers get the ball to start the second half.

Third quarter:

The Chargers went on a long drive and settled for a short field goal to make it a 20-6 game with &;30 to go in the quarter. The Chargers picked on Stokes and converted a fourth and two from the Raiders’ 30. Las Vegas did well to force a field goal at the goal line to avoid making it a three possession game.

Fourth quarter:

The Raiders went on a , but had to settle for a field goal to make it a 20-9 game. A Dylan Parham holding penalty on a Smith first down conversion on a scramble killed the drive. The Raiders really needed a touchdown there. a 19-play, 62 yard drive and getting a field goal while losing by double digits this late in the game is not ideal.

The Chargers made their first big mistake of the game went they went form it on fourth down in their own territory and it blew up in their face. This is an opportunity for the Raiders with just more than eight minutes remaining.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ation/109877/raiders-chargers-score-game-post

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

What they’re saying, Geno Smith lets Raiders down against Chargers

Through two weeks of the NFL season, it’s been a tale of two different stories for the Las Vegas Raiders and quarterback Geno Smith.

In the season opener against the New England Patriots, Smith was sharp and connected on several deep passes to throw for 362 yards. However, in Week 2 on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers, the quarterback forced throws all night, ending with three interceptions and just 180 yards through the air.

While there were certainly some bad performances from other players on the team, it’s hard not to blame the man behind center more than anyone else. For example, the defense was solid for the majority of the game, allowing just 20 points and that includes a field goal after a three-and-out. How does that happen? Well, an interception on the first play of the game gave the Chargers the ball on the Raiders’ 25-yard line…

That results in Smith taking some heat on social media as the internet reacts to his performance.

The chart below highlights how much Smith was forcing throws. He didn’t complete a pass over 10 yards—to his team, at least—but attempted 12 of them, and Los Angeles had 15 passes defended.

Geno Smith did not complete any of his 12 pass attempts over 10 yards downfield against the Chargers, throwing three interceptions on those passes.

He became the only quarterback since 2016 to attempt at least 10 downfield passes in a game without a completion.#LVvsLAC pic.twitter.com/YdzDOulRUx

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 16, 2025

DBs without any career interception

Geno smith: pic.twitter.com/oD9B6ht3AN

— TJ (@steph30UTD) September 16, 2025

Geno Smith in his Raiders home debut

0 TD
3 INT pic.twitter.com/BKA5GCEiq5

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 16, 2025

Raiders fans : “Finally we get a stop let’s get a TD”

Geno Smith : pic.twitter.com/SYqOGcnKFe

— 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯 (@xJahstin) September 16, 2025

Is Tom Brady going to pull a Nate Scarborough and call his own number? Brady was up in the coaches’ booth all night.

Tom Brady in the booth watching Geno Smith and the Raiders offense pic.twitter.com/TCBMsDy9RZ

— GhettoGronk (@TheGhettoGronk) September 16, 2025

Speaking of Brady, Pete Carroll said that the reports that Brady and Chip Kelly talk three or so times a week to go over the game plan are false.

Here is @Raiders coach Pete Carroll when I asked him about Tom Brady's involvement in game planning. Thanks to @JourdanRodrigue for the video https://t.co/igFRp52te5 pic.twitter.com/IJrYlUttN1

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) September 16, 2025

Carroll agrees that Geno was trying to do too much tonight.

Pete Carroll: “We were impatient with the throwing game.”

He wished they had completed more underneath throws and not take as many shots down the field.

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) September 16, 2025

MellOakland
Geno forcing ball into double and triple coverage for 55 minutes. 4th quarter last chance 4th down he runs around and holds the ball for sack. Unexpected extra possession, he passes to the Gatorade cooler on 4th down. Smh

Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty combined for 19 touches, five catches for Bowers and 11 rushes with 2 catches for Jeanty.

Give the ball to these guys more pic.twitter.com/ltotkz225N

— Mike Insalaco (@RaiderMike135) September 16, 2025

The frustrating part is that Jeanty was breaking tackles on his limited opportunities, too.

Ashton Jeanty truck stick

LACvsLV on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/Y9xXigYv67

— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2025

Ashton Jeanty: “I’d draft the guy they can’t tackle.” pic.twitter.com/fxZ1wG8dlP

— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) September 16, 2025

Jeanty had just 43 yards, but that’s on the offensive line more than him.

RaiderFats
Softest, most weak Interior O-Line in the league…JPJ might add strength but negates intelligence. So it’s all bad. Maybe they gel into a below average unit but right now id put them 32. Heard Geno is terrible with bad O-line play and boy did he show it tonight.

Hard to argue with these observations.

TimKerr
We’re going to be fine with Pete and Tom here but I’m 4 for 4 and it saddens me this was addressable in offseason with our cap

1) Oline not deep enough
2) CB unacceptable and pass defending LB
3) DE help unacceptable
4) No scat back in AFC West , no luck

we failed Maxx again.

Google me Chuck

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...rs-monday-night-football-geno-smith-twitter-x

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Offensive woes on Monday Night Football drop Raiders in Week 3 NFL power rankings

After building some excitement in the season-opener, the Las Vegas Raiders laid an egg on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers. As a result, the loss drops the Raiders in the majority of NFL Power Rankings throughout the league’s media outlets.

Yahoo!​

21. Las Vegas Raiders

Last week: 19

After Brock Bowers was splitting time in Week 1, Ashton Jeanty was out for some key snaps in the first half on Monday night. Is Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly going to pull an Arthur Smith and frustrate everyone by not maximizing his best players? — Frank Schwab

It’s fair to question why Kelly hasn’t gotten Jeanty the ball more often. The Boise State product was expected to be a bellcow back but has just 30 carries in his first two games combined. Also, it feels like the coaching staff is trying to force it with Zamir White, and those touches need to go to Jeanty.

However, Kelly does deserve some slack for not involving Bowers in the offense much against the Chargers. It was pretty clear the tight end wasn’t 100 percent on Monday night after suffering a knee injury in New England the week before.

ESPN​

22. Las Vegas Raiders

Last week: 21

Biggest QB takeaway: Geno Smith doesn’t have enough support from the offensive line

Yes, Smith has to improve on his decision-making. He had three interceptions in Week 2’s loss to the Chargers, largely due to him forcing the ball into double coverage. But the Raiders’ first loss also exposed issues within the team’s offensive line. Las Vegas struggled to provide protection, allowing 16 pressures and three sacks. In two games, the Raiders have given up 32 pressures and seven sacks. — Ryan McFadden

This is kind of a two-fold problem where Smith is holding onto the ball too long, looking for the big play too often. For example, Pro Football Focus has only attributed the Raiders’ offensive line with 24 pressures and three sacks, earning an 84.5 pass-blocking efficiency rating that ranks 16th in the NFL. Don’t get it twisted, there’s still plenty of room for Las Vegas to improve in the trenches. However, the quarterback play isn’t helping either, at least it wasn’t against the Chargers.

NFL.com ​

24. Las Vegas Raiders

Last week: 23

Pete Carroll’s 74th birthday wasn’t a particularly celebratory affair, as the offense had a nightmarish night vs. the division rival Chargers. Geno Smith threw three picks, and his offensive line couldn’t keep enough clean pockets. Brock Bowers played through a knee injury but looked like a decoy early before waking up a bit late. Jakobi Meyers took a while to get going, too. Ashton Jeanty had a few nice runs but never really got in gear. Everything just felt labored and clunky. The Raiders had zero success threatening the Chargers downfield. The defense hung in there and played great in the fourth quarter, but Las Vegas used up more than 11 minutes on its most promising drive of the second half before ultimately settling for a field goal. Smith’s late pick in the end zone all but ended it. It just wasn’t his or Carroll’s night. — Eric Edholm

This stat has been floating around the internet and was mentioned on the broadcast; Smith was 0-12 on passes over 10 yards down the field and such attempts accounted for two of his three picks, according to Next Gen Stats. Also, the 11-minute drive that the Raiders only got a field goal out of felt like a backbreaker. It’s hard to win games when you don’t score a touchdown.

The Athletic​

20. Las Vegas Raiders

Last week: 20

Overreaction: Brock Bowers should demand a trade

The second-year tight end was third in the league with 112 catches as a rookie. He was sixth in targets with 153 and was targeted on 25.9 percent of his routes. This year, Bowers has 10 catches. On Monday night, he was targeted eight times and had five catches, but he’s still just 31st in the league in receptions. Bowers has played 56 snaps this year, while second tight end Michael Mayer has played 54. The Raiders must get Bowers even more involved. — Josh Kendall & Chad Graff

‘Overreaction’ is a perfect description here. This analysis ignores the fact that Bowers was banged up and left last week’s game early. He’s still second on the team with 16 targets and was the leading receiver with over 100 yards in Week 1. So, there’s no need for the second-year pro to go storming into John Spytek’s office and want out.

Bleacher Report​

22. Las Vegas Raiders

Last week: 18

Every bit of momentum the Las Vegas Raiders built with a Week 1 win at New England was squandered on Pete Carroll’s 74th birthday. All of it.

Despite the fact that no one was open essentially all game long, Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly made the run game an afterthought. Instead, Geno Smith attempted 43 passes, threw three interceptions and had a passer rating south of 40.

Defensively, the Raiders got next to no pressure on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, and while Herbert’s stats weren’t especially gaudy, he did as he pleased for most of the game.

Two games into the season, it’s hard to tell whether the Raiders can’t run the ball or just don’t want to. The latter’s an odd choice, what with drafting Ashton Jeanty sixth overall in April and all.

Vegas had a 19-play drive that took over 11 minutes—and kicked a field goal. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Happy birthday, indeed. – Gary Davenport

More criticism of Kelly’s play-calling as people are questioning why Jeanty isn’t getting the ball more often. That’s especially head-scratching since the offensive coordinator is known for his running game. But the defense is also getting called out here, specifically, the pass rush. The Chargers put the blueprint out there where if opposing offenses can keep Maxx Crosby in check, the Raiders’ other defensive linemen are struggling to win one-on-one matchups consistently.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ders-monday-night-football-nfl-power-rankings

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders need to get ahead of the Jordan Meredith Market

Jordan Meredith was a standout offensive lineman at Western Kentucky, after being a standout at Bowling Green high school in Kentucky. Meredith didn’t see significant play time till 2018 where the then redshirt Sophomore started all 12 games allowing a sack and 11 pressures. 2019 was no different where Meredith allowed just 7 pressures and three sacks across 13 games while also being named first team All-CUSA and an Honorable Mention All-American. 2020 was just another year for Meredith, where the redshirt senior started every game for the Hilltoppers allowing one sack and nine pressures. Meredith was named a preseason 1st team All-CUSA recipient along with being a 1st team All-CUSA selection, and 2nd team All-American. Meredith then logged a 9.35 RAS score including a notable 1.75 10-split, 5.08 40, 4.62 shuttle, and 32’ vert. Despite these numbers, the 6’3/300 guard went undrafted. Meredith signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent but was released after the preseason after allowing 3 pressures across 89 snaps. The Raiders picked up Meredith in February of 2022. The Raiders retained Meredith on their practice squad till 2024, where the former UDFA made the initial 53 man roster.

Meredith making the roster shouldn’t have came at a surprise. The now 4 year veteran had logged three straight preseasons with the Raiders with a PFF grade over 70, and allowed just 1 pressure across nearly 200 pass blocking attempts during that time. Meredith was consistently among the highest graded offensive lineman in preseason and after back to back seasons allowing 0 pressures it was deserved to give him a shot at the 53 man roster. After playing all but 1 snap in college at right guard, Meredith spent time at both left and right guard along with center for the Raiders in preseason. 2024 saw Meredith earn the opportunity he had been waiting for. Following an injury to Dylan Parham in week 6 vs the Steelers, Meredith entered and in 43 snaps (34 PBLK) allowed 0 pressures and earned a 79.5 PFF Grade. Meredith retained his starting spot in weeks 7 and 8 allowing just 1 pressure. Once Parham returned, Meredith slid to left guard and remained the starter there till an injury in week 15 causing him to miss the remainder of the season. Through 574 snaps, Meredith allowed just 9 pressures and 0 sacks. His 80.8 PFF Grade was top 10 among NFL guards as were his 78.4 RBLK and 75.7 PBLK grades. Meredith became a sneaky free agent target, with some from other teams hoping the Raiders wouldn’t put an ERFA tender on Meredith due to staff turnover, however the Raiders did just that.

OL charting for week 1.

Parham and JPJ struggled

Meredith almost had a shutout run and pass blocking. pic.twitter.com/YaV1nA5NHN

— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) September 12, 2025

Meredith transitioned to center for the Raiders, and in week 1 he played well allowing 0 pressures and having a perfect log in the run game with 0 blown blocks. The Raiders transitioning of Meredith to center came as a surprise, given Jackson Powers-Johnson play there in 2024. Meredith is set to be an RFA after this season and the Raiders will more than likely retain him either win a 1st or 2nd round tender before he hits the market fully in 2027. However, the Raiders should entertain the idea of signing Meredith to a long term extension and thus ignoring the entire RFA segment. As an RFA, teams are able to negotiate with Meredith, and thus submit him an offer-sheet where the Raiders then are required to match the deal or they can lose Meredith to some form of draft compensation. The 27 year old center will likely be a hot name on the market, and leaving the odds to another team to dictate what the contract is won’t likely sit favorably with the Raiders.

Raiders C Jordan Meredith shuffling square on the mugged backer & climbing to target.#OffensiveLine#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/XWpD4Lwszc

— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) August 21, 2025

Currently, Meredith’s projected market value is 4 years, 44 million with 21 million guaranteed. The Raiders were already looking to ink Meredith to a long term extension in 2024, but couldn’t come to an agreement and as a result placed the ERFA tender on him. 11 million a year would put Meredith as the NFL’s 6th highest paid center and while rich for limited snaps at the position, and as an NFL starter in general, it’s worth noting that standouts Ethan Pocic, Josh Myers, and Tyler Linderbaum are set to be UFA’s in 2025 which will push the market upwards as well. In 2026, Aaron Brewer, Tyler Biadasz, Ryan Kelly, Ryan Neuzil, and Joe Tippmann are all slated to hit the market as well and could earn north of 9 million a season. The center market is rapidly exploding, the NFL is currently seeing the guard market skyrocket, and center will likely be the next to go up as well. The Raiders clearly value Meredith, and so far he’s produced beyond expectations. Las Vegas should look to get ahead of the free agent market and ink Meredith to a long term extension, that allows them financial felxibility as well. As for Meredith, the deal would guarantee him money and allow for him to still potentially hit the market again at 30 or 31 years old where veteran centers are highly paid.

How about that assist from Jordan Meredith? Huge TD for the Raiders https://t.co/oMJugxhNnA

— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) September 7, 2025

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-agency/109754/jordan-meredith-raiders-market

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

How Justin Herbert picked apart Raiders’ defense

Defense wasn’t the Las Vegas Raiders’ biggest problem in the Week 2 20-9 loss on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert did manage to complete over 70 percent of his passing attempts (19/27) for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while the Raiders earned an ugly 43.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.

While Herbert didn’t have many highlight throws, attempting just three passes 20 or more yards down the field and four in the 10-19 yard range, per PFF, he seemed to have an answer for everything that Las Vegas’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was throwing at him.

How did that happen? Let’s flip on the tape and take a look.

#Raiders are in Cover 3 with Isaiah Pola-Mao favoring the single receiver, so Eric Stokes has to carry the corner route and can't get to out route in time

Justin Herbert finds the soft spot and makes it hurt pic.twitter.com/z4QX27DjTx

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 16, 2025

Herbert catches the Raiders in Cover 3 here, and the Chargers have a good playcall for the coverage.

Ladd McConkey (No. 15 at the bottom of the screen) motions into a bunch formation with Quentin Johnston (No. 1) as the receivers switch release post-snap, meaning McConkey goes inside off the line of scrimmage and Johnson goes outside. Then, Johnston runs a deep corner route and since Las Vegas is playing Cover 3, cornerback Eric Stokes has to carry Johnston down the field.

But one of the big problems here is that safety Isaiah Pola-Mao is favoring the single-receiver side of the formation for some reason. Against a three-by-one set, the corner across from the single receiver is locked in man coverage, which Kyu Blu Kelly (top of the screen) does here by lining up in press coverage with eyes on his man post-snap. The reason for that is so the safety can cheat to the passing strength pre-snap, but Pola-Mao is doing the opposite.

That becomes significant because the safety can’t help on the deep route since he’s lined up on the opposite hash mark, forcing Stokes to carry Johnston down the field. As a result, the corner is put into conflict and can’t get to the out route from McConkey, allowing an easy pitch and catch for a 25-yard gain.

Orlovsky pointed this one out on the broadcast, Kyu Blu Kelly tries to pass off Johnston to Pola-Mao and takes his eyes to the crossing route from McConkey. Herbert sails it over Kelly's head for a TD #Raiders pic.twitter.com/y2T2iHaBXp

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 16, 2025

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky did a good job pointing out the play above on the broadcast, as the Raiders get caught in Cover 3 again.

Despite the Chargers being a three-by-one formation, Kelly is just covering the deep third of the field this time instead of being locked in man coverage. So, when Johnston starts driving toward the middle of the field on what looks like a deep over route initially, Kelly tries to pass the receiver off to Pola-Mao — who cheats to the three receiver side post-snap this time — and pick up McConkey on the crossing route.

However, Johnston runs a pylon route instead of the deep over, reversing toward the sideline rather than continuing his route across the field. With Pola-Mao moving toward the other side of the field and Kelly no longer working for depth to pick up McConkey, Johnston has a lot of open space to work with and Herbert lets it rip for a 60-yard touchdown.

Cover 2, Eric Stokes takes the cheese on a curl route that's already covered and leaves Pola-Mao out to dry while Herbert rips the hole shot #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/WPqddaUblG

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 16, 2025

This time, Las Vegas runs Cover 2 against a two-by-two set from Los Angeles, where the outside receiver at the top of the screen runs a go route and the slot receiver has a short curl.

With the running back releasing on a swing route to the other side of the formation and Darnay Holmes in position to take away the curl route, Stokes has no threats to his area and just has to continue working for depth to help Pola-Mao on the go route and take away the hole shot.

However, Stokes tries to drive on the curl route that’s already covered and leaves Pola-Mao out to dry. So, the hole shot is open, and Herbert makes a back-shoulder throw to the receiver for a 24-yard gain.

#Raiders pass-rush had trouble getting home, so Graham started blitzing. Problem is, Herbert found the soft spot nearly every time pic.twitter.com/Hk6iih5ztU

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 16, 2025

The Raiders’ other big issue defensively on Monday night was that the defensive line was struggling to win on passing downs as Herbert was only pressured on 25 percent of his dropbacks (sixth-lowest rate in Week 2), per PFF.

So, Graham decided to blitz more often. The problem is that Herbert is historically good against blitzes and found the soft spots in Las Vegas’ defense all night, completing eight of 10 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown when Graham dialed up the heat, according to PFF.

The clip above is a good example, as the Raiders run a fire zone where Jamal Adams and Devin White rush the passer. But Keenan Allen (No. 13, the slot receiver) runs a short curl route right where the linebackers were, and Herbert is quick to find Allen before the pass rush can get there for an easy pitch and catch. The result is a nine-yard gain on first and 10 that keeps the offense ahead of the sticks.

#Raiders run Cover 0 and end up with 2 defenders to cover 3 WRs at the top of the screen pic.twitter.com/XpWp5WjvVK

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 16, 2025

This time, Las Vegas is at a disadvantage because it runs Cover 0 against a three-by-one formation. The unbalanced look from the offense makes it difficult for the defense to disguise the blitz since safeties have to shift over to the passing strength. Anytime a safety is lined up behind the nickelback, that’s the offense’s/quarterback’s indicator that the nickel is blitzing.

However, the Raiders stay in a two-high look with the safeties on opposite sides of the hashmarks as if the Chargers are in a two-by-two formation. That could be an attempt to disguise the blitz and create some confusion for the quarterback post-snap. The problem is that Herbert isn’t fooled and recognizes that the defense has just two defenders to cover three recievers at the top of the screen since Holmes rushing off the edge.

This also could be a situation where Graham is expecting his defenders to check out of the Cover 0 call against a trips formation, or give up on trying to disguise the blitz by having Jeremy Chinn cheat toward the passing strength instead of lining up over the center. Regardless, Las Vegas was beaten by a simple numbers advantage on this rep.

2nd & 10, #Raiders run Cover 0 again, but the safeties stay about 10 yards deep for an easy pitch and catch to set up 3rd and short pic.twitter.com/4I5sMKrdu0

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 16, 2025

We’ll wrap up with another Cover 0 call, and again, Las Vegas isn’t in a good pre-snap look against the three-by-one formation with the safeties on opposite sides of the hash marks. On top of that, Chinn and Pola-Mao both stay about 10 yards deep against a couple of slant routes from the slot receivers. So, it’s an easy pitch and catch combined with a bad angle from Pola-Mao that turns second and 10 into third and short.

---

Long story short, Herbert and the Chargers’ passing game got the best of Graham and the Raiders’ secodary on Monday night.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-night-football-justin-herbert-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders Week 2: Keep attacking deep

From gunslinger hitting the bullseye in Week 1 to misfiring in Week 2, Geno Smith’s first two games as the Las Vegas Raiders quarterback went from an encouraging high to a disconcerting low.

Smith went right at the Los Angeles Chargers defense this past Monday night, however, instead of hitting his mark like he did in the rain at the New England Patriots in the season opener, the 34-year-old quarterback didn’t complete any of the dozen throws over 10 yards downfield against the Bolts.

“Yeah, he took shots, put the ball up and tried to give the guy a chance to make the play, Dont’e (Thornton Jr.) and Jakobi (Meyers), and they defended him well. They were back there,” Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said the day after the game when asked if the film affirm Smith’s decision making. “In retrospect, it looked like it was really difficult to be hopeful, and he was trying to make something happen.”

The topsy turvy performance is indicative of the ebbs and flows of being a NFL signal caller though. And a quarterback that’s willing to make something happen is a double-edged sword. It can cut the opposition deep —like it did against the Patriots — and it can gash the Raiders good, too — like against the Chargers.

And the Monday night thud showcased a bevy of ugly warts regarding the Raiders offense. Like the double-edge sword, though, the missteps on offense has elements of both bad and good.

That said, it shouldn’t dissuade Las Vegas offensive coordinator Chip Kelly or Smith from attacking deep. The Silver & Black should keep pushing the envelope — like I noted a week ago, bold Kelly is what Raiders need — and not clam up or recede like a turtle defensively hiding in its own shell.

Geno Smith did not complete any of his 12 pass attempts over 10 yards downfield against the Chargers, throwing three interceptions on those passes.

He became the only quarterback since 2016 to attempt at least 10 downfield passes in a game without a completion.#LVvsLAC pic.twitter.com/YdzDOulRUx

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 16, 2025

Yes, the tape is out there after two games on how to and how not to defend a Kelly-orchestrated offense. New England decided to deploy majority man coverage concepts and got burnt. Los Angeles, meanwhile, went with a more zone-focused approach and both suffocated and stymied the Raiders offensive attack.

Now we’ll get to see how Carroll’s coaching staff collects itself with intentions of a bounce back game in Week 3.

With the NFL being a copycat league, don’t be surprised if the host Commanders (1-1 overall) dabble in zone concepts to see if they can mimic what the Chargers (2-0) did to the Raiders (1-1) under the primetime lights. Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. uses a combination of man and zone coverages but his philosophy is rooted in aggressive play style that features physicality and violence. He does lean more towards pressure man concepts with blitzing all with intent to disrupt the opposing quarterback.

Fortunately for Kelly and Smith, they’ve seen this already on the young season as the Patriots deploy a similar style and the Raiders took full advantage. Las Vegas couldn’t do so against Los Angeles’ two-high zone shell, however.

Carroll intimated that at times, his team could’ve simply taken what the Chargers were giving, immediately after the 20-9 loss.

“Yeah, it felt like that tonight. That’s right. It felt like that tonight, and he had a lot of time back there. He had chance to look and see, didn’t like what he saw underneath and gave those guys some shots down the field, which he’s tremendous at doing basically,” the Raiders head coach said when asked if there’s a time he has to pull the quarterback aside and say “we can’t.” “So I’m not not supporting some of the choices there. I need to see what happened though. I want to see if he had other options that we could’ve gotten the ball out of his hands. And so he’ll play. He’s been a 70% guy for the last four or five years. He’ll be right back at it just like he was last week.”

Say what you want about Geno, HE's a Leader and will respond#GenoSmith #RaiderNation #RaidersRoundTable pic.twitter.com/6h6kTE82x5

— JT The Brick (@JTTheBrick) September 17, 2025

A day later and after looking at the game film, Carroll noted he isn’t going to pull the reins on his quarterback’s gunslinger ways. But did note to make smart decisions and take care of the football.

“Yeah, well that’s experience with the guy and trust. I know what he was thinking, and I know the shot that he took, and he threw a ball that was catchable, possibly, but it was a challenge,” Carroll explained. “And so a couple of them came up — they made their plays, and they did a nice job with it. So I’m not going to slow him down. Taking the shots instinctively are there for him. But we will evaluate, and if there’s a better option, let’s not give them their opportunity to get the football from us.”

It goes without saying, a completely healthy Brock Bowers helps the Raiders offense. Sporting a knee brace on his left knee, the second-year tight end wasn’t his usual productive self in the Week 2 defeat. Also, getting a moribund ground game going exponentially makes Las Vegas’ offensive attack that much more effective.

But the Raiders should test the Commanders pass defense early and often. Washington sports the 18th-ranked unit in terms of passing yards allowed (426) but has only yielded two passing touchdowns (good for sixth). The Commanders defense has also missed 13 tackles on the young year, according to Pro Football Reference, which is the 11th most whiffs in the league. So getting the short passing attack going alongside the deep bombs is a must.

Kelly is in his first season as the Raiders offensive play caller and growing pains are to be expected. But wide receiver Jakobi Meyers — who leads the team in receptions and yards with 14 and 165, respectively — doesn’t like the term “growing pains”.

“I’m going to say issues. It’s just setting the foundation. I mean, we’ve got to see what works and what doesn’t work,” Meyers said in the locker room after the Raiders’ Monday night loss. “It’s a little too early right now, so we’re just going to keep pushing honestly, it’s a long season, and if this defines our season, then we’re in trouble anyway. I think we’ll be all right. We’re going to bounce back from this, learn from it and get better.”

We’ll get to see exactly that this coming Sunday in Washington. Is this incarnation of the Silver & Black able to adjust and succeed?

I’ll leave you with this hilarious take from former quarterback Peyton Manning on “halftime adjustments”:

"I don't know if I ever made a halftime adjustment in my entire 18-year career. I think that's the biggest myth in football- the halftime adjustments. You go in, you use the restroom, you eat a couple of oranges, and then the head coach says, 'Alright, let's go!'"- Peyton Manning pic.twitter.com/j17FWpXChq

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 17, 2023

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...aft/110048/raiders-week-2-keep-attacking-deep

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders fans have a huge drop in confidence after the Week 2 loss

The Las Vegas Raiders are coming off an ugly performance on offense, losing 20-9 to the Los Angeles Chargers. The defense held strong and gave them a chance to win, but the passing game could not get it together.

Geno Smith did not complete a pass over 10 yards and threw three interceptions. The offensive line struggled as well, but the passing attack couldn’t get it together. Pete Carroll is hoping for a bounce-back game from his players as they go on the road to Washington to face the Commanders.

In this week’s SB Nation Reacts, we ask the Raider Nation what their confidence is in the team’s direction. The results are in, and it is a massive drop from the previous week. Confidence saw a 30-point drop, with 66% of fans having confidence in the team’s direction.

With the Raiders facing a Washington Commanders team without their starting quarterback, it could be a bounce-back week. While they shouldn’t take Marcus Mariota lightly, they are going to be facing an offensive line that can be exploited. It could be a confidence boost for fans heading into Week 4.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...huge-drop-in-confidence-after-the-week-2-loss

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Commanders a Raiders run game remedy?

Pete Carroll wants it. Geno Smith does to.

And Ashton Jeanty is ready for the responsibility.

That’s the Las Vegas Raiders head coach, quarterback, and running back in unison: Get the run game going and feed their prized rookie running back.

It’s very easy to see why Carroll, Smith, and even Jeanty want to see an uptick in involvement. Through two games, Jeanty garnered 30 totes for 81 yards and one touchdown — including an abysmal 2.7 yards per carry average. Those are numbers fare below what the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft should have.

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t think you draft a guy like me to not give me carries and touches and I’m ready for the responsibility,” Jeanty reasonably said when asked if he’s ready for to take on a heavy workload forward. “And like I said, it’s going to start with me in the run game, and I’ve got to continue to get better.”

“I don’t think you draft a guy like me to not give me carries & touches, I’m ready for the responsibility…I gotta continue to get better…there’s a learning curve to the NFL.”

Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty speaks with media ahead of a week 3 game against the Commanders in… pic.twitter.com/vP0QQimLDI

— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) September 17, 2025

Overall, the Raiders offense boasts the fifth-least carries in the entire league with 43 and the second-least yards gained at 124 yards total. In those two categories, the Miami Dolphins had an NFL-least 27 carries, however, the 25 totes the team churned out in the Thursday Night loss boosts them leaving the Cincinnati Bengals the low team on the totem pole with 40 carries. In terms of yards gained, only the Bengals are worse than the Raiders with 94 total.

The Raiders boasted the dead-last ranked rushing offense in 2024 (380 carries, league-low 1,357 yards, 10 touchdowns, and a pathetic 3.6 yards per carry average. Through two games, it sure looks like it’s a repeat campaign — potentially worse at the 2.9 yards per carry average — until Las Vegas proves it can improve.

Time and time again, Jeanty is met at the line of scrimmage by defenders and is either stuffed or, when he tries to make defenders miss, gets some traction before getting tackled short. There are times where Jeanty showcases the burst by hitting the hole and gaining yards and when he puts a shoulder into a defender to truck them. But between Jeanty and backup Zamir White, Raiders running backs are non factors.

Yet, with its Week 3 matchup against the Washington Commanders, the Silver & Black are given an opportunity to remedy a rancid run game.

percentage of RB runs stuffed for no gain:

37.1% – Las Vegas Raiders
32.0% – Seattle Seahawks
31.3% – New York Giants
31.3% – Los Angeles Chargers
28.6% – Miami Dolphins
24.0% – San Francisco 49ers
22.9% – Baltimore Ravens
22.4% – Philadelphia Eagles
22.0% – Cleveland Browns…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 17, 2025

Unlike the Raiders matchups with the New England Patriots in Week 1 and the Chargers in Week 2 — both those tams are ranked third and eighth in rushing yards allowed this season — the Commanders boast a middling run defense at 14th in yards allowed at 209. Washington is allowing a 3.9 yards per carry average. Those are all yields with teams running the ball 53 times through two games.

Washington does boast serious talent on defense as Joe Whitt’s aggressive, man coverage-leaning unit is paced by super veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner (team-leading 21 total tackles along with a stop for loss) and defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. (10 total tackles, two stops for loss) and Javon Kinlaw (two stops for loss).

But the Commanders are ripe for the picking and if there’s a squad the Raiders should increase Jeanty’s participation rate, it’s this Sunday morning matchup in Washington.

Smith, who leads the league with four interceptions and has the seventh most passing attempts at 778, readily admits balance makes the Raiders offensive attack that much more dangerous and efficient.

“Yeah, I mean, the more we can get touches to our backs, to Ashton, to Zamir, the better we’re going to be as an offense. Those guys are our playmakers; they do well in space,” Smith explained. “As you can see, Ashton is out there running guys over. He’s bouncing off the tackles, and so is Zamir. And so, yeah, we have to remain balanced. We have to get those guys the ball in space, whether that’s in the run game or the passing game, and that’s something that we’re working on. Again, man, it’s early. Don’t want to overreact to anything. There’s a long season ahead of us. But yeah, we got to get the balance going.”

"We're going to keep pushing. It's a long season."

After their first loss, #Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers and OT DJ Glaze tell me 'we're just really trying to continue to gel.'

Glaze says the O-line missed Jackson Powers-Johnson, but 'we think anybody can plug in without a dropoff.' pic.twitter.com/sJFnVIPEP8

— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) September 16, 2025

Just how many more carries Jeanty gets is up in the air, however.

During his media session on Thursday, Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly spoke about how neither of his to tailbacks at Ohio State — Judkins and Treveyon Henderson (New England Patriots, eight carries for 37 yards) — were not 20-carry types but still had over 1,000 yards rushing in the Buckeyes national championship winning year in 2024.

Kelly even brought in the NBA’s load management style.

“In basketball, it’s called ‘Load management.’ We’re not sitting out games here, but I think you have to be conscious of over the course of 17 games, if some guy’s carrying the ball 30 times a game, they only have so many carries in a season,” Kelly explained. “And I mean, if you’re going to waste them – not waste them, but if you’re using them early, then it’s going to hurt you late. So, there tries to be a balance. And when you have depth, you have balance. There’s some teams that don’t have depth. So, this guy’s the guy, because there’s a huge drop off. When you have some depth, it’s beneficial to make sure. Because even in games where you’re not getting 60 snaps, you’re getting 70 snaps and 80 snaps. Well, if you didn’t take them out in the first and second quarter, by the time you get to the fourth quarter, he’s dead, you know?”

That’s all well and good, but White has five carries for six yards (a comical 1.2 yards per carry average) spelling Jeanty. And reserve running back and special teamer Dylan Laube has no carries and two catches for 17 yards.

Around The League​

Jeanty isn’t alone in rookie-year struggles. The much-ballyhooed 2025 tailback draft class hasn’t lived up to lofty expectations overall. We saw the Raiders wall up and stymie Los Angeles Chargers’ rookie Omarion Hampton this past week (eight carries for 24 yards). The Cleveland Browns’ Quinshon Judkins churned out 61 yards on 10 carries in the team’s 41-17 shellacking from the Baltimore Ravens. And the Denver Broncos’ RJ Harvey galloped for 70 yards on six carries in the season opener only to get stonewalled by the Indianapolis Colts this past weekend (five carries for eight yards), to name a few.

“The numbers haven’t been as good as we want so far in the first two games. I happened to look at an accounting of the ball carriers throughout the league in this past weekend, and there were a lot of guys that ran the ball, 11, 12, 13 times, that were lead runners,” Carroll said during his media availability on Wednesday. “It surprised me that there were numbers like that. There were some guys, the Colts, the guy ran 22, 23 times, or something like that. But there were a lot of guys that aren’t running the ball that much. And so I’m kind of surprised at that. I felt like we might be a little more out of line than that, so we’ll see. But we want more of him (Ashton Jeanty). He ran very well when he had the ball, and so we just needed to get more snaps.”

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...t/110057/commanders-a-raiders-run-game-remedy

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Silver Minings: Raiders-Commanders predictions

It’s time for our weekly Saturday tradition as we pick winner of every Raiders’ game.

It’s 2-0 in this space, predicting the Raiders first two games.

This week is tough.

Yes, the Raiders were pretty bad (especially on offense) in a 20-9 Week 2 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. But Washington’s star quarterback Jayden Daniels is out with a knee injury. Former Raiders backup Marcus Mariota will quarterback against his former team. It’s his first start in three years.

The Commanders have some other injuries on both sides of the ball.

I do expect the Raiders to be better this week on offense and I think it will be close.

And I’m taking the road team (in our picks contest, I took Washington but that was before Daniels was ruled out).

Raiders 17, Commanders 16.

Now, it’s your turn.

In other Raiders’ news:

• O-line talk: PFF ranks the offensive-line play.
• Trade talk: Could the Raiders pull off a trade for A.J. Brown?
• Stafford over Geno? Our friends at Turf Show Times think the Raiders traded for the wrong NFC West quarterback.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/general/110032/nfl-week-3-raiders-commanders-predictions