News Raiders Team Notes

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Michael Mayer, Eric Stokes practicing Wednesday

The Las Vegas Raiders got encouraging news Wednesday when they kicked off the practice week to prepare for Sunday’s Week 5 game at the Indianapolis Colts on the injury front.

According to ESPN, both tight end Michael Mayer and cornerback Eric Stokes were on the practice field Wednesday.

#Raiders TE Michael Mayer (concussion) and CB Eric Stokes (knee) are practicing.

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) October 1, 2025

Mayer missed a Week 4 home loss to the Chicago Bears with a concussion he suffered early in Week 3 at the Washington Commanders. Before practice Wednesday, Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll said he was uncertain if Mayer will be able to play against the Colts. Surely, the fact that he was on the practice field to start the practice week is a good sign. He still may have some steps to clear in the concussion protocol.

Stokes, a starter, hurt his knee against the Bears and didn’t finish the game. Carroll said Wednesday Stokes said he feels good, but the team will ease him back to work this week in practice.

Meanwhile, Carroll said second-year guard Jackson Powers-Johnson will play Sunday. That’s no surprise since he played well in Week 4.

Mayer, Stokes and star tight end Brock Bowers (who has been dealing with a knee injury since Week 1) were limited in practice Wednesday. Backup cornerback Decamerion Richardson practiced fully after not playing the past two games.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ichael-mayer-eric-stokes-practicing-wednesday

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Malcolm Koonce returns to 2023 form against Bears

It’s been a long road back from the torn ACL that cost Malcolm Koonce the entire 2024 season. While he was cleared to play and participated in the Las Vegas Raiders’ offseason practices and training camp, Koonce didn’t look like he was quite at 100 percent yet and got off to a slow start.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Raiders’ No. 2 pass-rusher had just six pressures on 60 pass rush snaps in Weeks 1 through 3 combined. However, he took a big step toward returning to his 2023 form last Sunday against the Chicago Bears, nearly doubling his pressure total for the season with five on just 28 pass-rush snaps. That tied for the 12th-most among edge defenders for the week, and Koonce’s 26.9 percent win rate also ranked 12th, per PFF.

Perhaps even more significant, Koonce had a strong game against the run, too. His 77.8 PFF run-defense grade was third-best at his position, trailing league leader and teammate Maxx Crosby by just 1.4 points. Granted, the former only recorded 10 snaps as a run defender, but managed to come up with two defensive stops despite the limited opportunities.

So, let’s break down the defensive end’s best performance of the season to date.

Malcolm Koonce started to look like his old self on Sunday, recording a 26.9% pass-rush win rate per PFF

He had a handful of nice reps turning speed to power, like this one #Raiders pic.twitter.com/9EPLh2Sz1J

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 30, 2025

The primary reason why Koonce had success on Sunday was that he had a handful of quality reps turning speed to power as a pass-rusher, and the clip above was the best of the bunch.

Chicago puts a tight end and a wide receiver in a reduced split (or near the offensive line) on his side, forcing him to honor the running game or anticipate a chip block post-snap. That’s why Koonce initially eyes the tight end before attacking the left tackle, even though the chip doesn’t come.

Once the tight end releases on the route, Koonce gets his eyes back inside and does a great job of planting his outside foot in the ground to change directions and getting three points of contact (two hands and a facemask) on the tackle’s chest to walk the tackle into quarterback Caleb Williams’ lap.

Granted, Williams ends up completing the pass here. But he at least had to get the ball out quickly, and it went for a short gain on first and 15, keeping the offense behind the sticks.

Malcolm Koonce swims the chip block and beats the LT's hands to win around the edge and force Williams to scramble

Would like to see him finish and get the sack, but this is an encouraging rep from Koonce #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/2I7jRGufPV

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 30, 2025

This time, the Bears do chip block him with the tight end, but the pass-rusher is ready for it and uses a swim move to avoid the contact. Now, it’s a matter of beating the tackle, and he does a great job of using his hands to defeat the tackle’s hands and win around the edge. That forces Williams to scramble and throw on the run, leading to an incompletion.

Granted, I would like to see Koonce finish his pass-rush move with a rip so that he keeps the offensive linemen from pushing him past the quarterback, while also helping him bend and corner at the top of the rush to finish the rep with a sack. Regardless, this is an encouraging rep for the fifth-year pro moving forward, as he showcases another way that he can win when rushing the passer.

Malcolm Koonce with the cross-chop for another pressure #Raiders pic.twitter.com/32tWxpwpUB

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 30, 2025

There isn’t too much to the rep above; it’s just a clean win by the edge rusher.

The Bears’ tackle doesn’t get enough depth on his pass set and has to open his hips/the gate early, creating a short corner on the edge. Koonce takes advantage by having a perfectly timed cross-chop to make contact with Williams as Williams lets the ball go.

The problem is that the coverage didn’t hold up, so it goes for naught, and Chicago gets the first down. However, like the one before it, these types of reps will pay off later and lead to sacks.

Not gonna make the highlight reel, but this is a great job of setting the edge by Malcolm Koonce to help force the RB to cut up the field and into Devin White.

Also a great rep by Laulu #Raiders pic.twitter.com/0XGs6SpRHB

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 30, 2025

Shifting gears to Koonce defending the run, the clip above isn’t going to make the highlight reel at the end of the year, but it’s sound fundamental football from Koonce.

Chicago runs mid zone where the running back’s aiming point is the B-gap, and the left tackle’s job is to widen the edge defender. However, Koonce does a great job of taking on the tackle’s block with a wide base, good pad level and tight hands. That allows him to hold ground and get extension on the block, effectively setting the edge.

Combined with Jonah Laulu getting penetration against the center, that forces the running back to cutbackside and into the unblocked defender, Devin White, who makes the tackle at the line of scrimmage.

Malcolm Koonce gambles by going inside the TE's block, but wins and makes the tackle for a 1-yard again #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/mbRRy2P8RN

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 30, 2025

Finally, we’ll wrap up with one of Koonce’s run stops.

The Bears motion a wide receiver across the formation, which takes cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly out of the box as they run outside zone right at Koonce. So, the defensive end doesn’t have the edge support behind him that he had before the receiver started moving, and he takes a big gamble by working inside of the tight end’s block rather than staying outside to force the running back to cut up the field.

However, the risky decision pays off as Koonce defeats the tight end’s block by winning at the point of attack and using a swim move to get penetration in the backfield before making the tackle for a short gain. Like a true Las Vegan, Koonce put all of his money on black and the gamble paid off here.

---

As referenced above, Koonce still has room for improvement to take some of these reps from good to great. Also, stacking strong performances on top of each other will be the true measure of whether or not he’s “back”. But Sunday was certainly a step in the right direction when it comes to him returning to the 2023 form, where he racked up eight sacks in the Raiders’ final nine games of the season.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...4/raiders-malcolm-koonce-bears-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Brock Bowers appears to suffer setback, Maxx Crosby listed on injury report

Ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, the Las Vegas Raiders released Thursday’s injury report, and tight end Brock Bowers (knee) was listed as a non-participant while defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) was limited.

#Raiders TE Brock Bowers (knee) did not practice on Thursday. DE Maxx Crosby (knee) was limited. pic.twitter.com/uYP3G1BnB0

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) October 2, 2025

Bowers has been dealing with the knee injury since the end of the season opener against the New England Patriots. He hasn’t missed a game yet, but his production has notably dipped over the last three weeks. Also, it appears that he may have suffered a setback. Bowers was a full participant in all three practices leading up to last week’s matchup against the Chicago Bears, but was limited on Wednesday and sat out on Thursday.

Fellow tight end Michael Mayer (concussion) did sit out against Chicago, but has returned to the field this week, albeit on a limited basis. The Raiders leaned heavily on third-string tight end Ian Thomas when Mayer was out, and would likely go a similar route if Bowers can’t play in Indianapolis.

Las Vegas could also turn to undrafted rookie Carter Runyon or Albert Okwuegbunam Jr., both of whom were called up from the practice squad last week. Runyon is currently on the 53-man roster, taking the open spot after left tackle Kolton Miller was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Crosby wasn’t listed on Wednesday’s injury report at all, but popped up on the report the following day. Granted, the defensive end still participated in the session, providing optimism that he’ll be ready to go on Sunday.

To round out Thursday’s injury report, linebacker Brennan Jackson (foot) also didn’t participate in practice, wide receiver Justin Shorter (illness) was upgraded to limited, cornerback Decamrion Richardson (hamstring) was a full participant for the second day in a row, and cornerback Eric Stokes (knee) was limited in back-to-back sessions.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...aiders-injury-report-brock-bowers-maxx-crosby

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

The Stone Forsythe file

Backup Stone Forsythe is expected to be inserted into the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting lineup at left tackle with standout Kolton Miller out for an extended period with a serious ankle injury.

Let’s take a look at Forsythe:

Size:

6-8, 307 pounds.

NFL experience:|

Forsythe is entering his fifth NFL season. He spent his first four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He signed with the New York Giants as a free agent and was released. The Raiders signed him as a free agent, replacing tackle Thayer Munford. Forsythe has started NFL 14 games, with eight coming in 2023. He started five games for the Seahawks in 2024.

College:

Forsythe went to Florida. He was a sixth-round draft choice of the Seahawks in 2021.

Raiders ties:

He spent three seasons in Seattle with Raiders’ head coach Pete Carroll and some assistants. They have seen him start several games.

2025 playing time:

Forsythe, who turns 28 in December, had played four snaps in a total of three games on offense and has played 15 snaps in four games on special teams.

Who is he trying to hold off?

Rookie Charles Grant. The third-round draft pick from William & Mary is considered a strong prospect, but he is raw and the former wrestler will need time to groom. But Raiders coach Pete Carroll did say Grant, who has not been active this season, had progressed well in practice and may soon be ready to push Forsythe while Miller is out. But Forsythe will have the opportunity to keep the job while Miller is recovering.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ews-stone-forsythe-kolton-mliller-left-tackle

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Don’t expect a Raiders’ quarterback competition

The word competition is thrown around so much in the Pete Carroll era, “comPete” became a term to describe the Las Vegas Raiders head coach’s philosophy.

We saw this manifest in a variety of ways, namely, Jordan Meredith winning the starting center gig and Jackson Powers-Johnson shifting to right guard and fighting for the gig with veteran Alex Cappa. Defensively, Kyu Blu Kelly impressed Carroll and his coaching staff so much, Kelly is now a starting outside cornerback. And, more recently, veteran running back Raheem Mostert ascended past Zamir White and was active in his first game as a Raider this past Sunday.

But what about quarterback?

After all, Geno Smith leads the league with seven interceptions thrown, is below the league average completion percentage of 65.3 percent at 63.8 percent, and is the fifth-most sacked signal caller in the NFL at 12. The 35-year-old quarterback is coming off a two-touchdowns, three-interception outing in a 25-24 Week 4 home loss to the Chicago Bears. And, just two weeks ago, Smith threw three picks with no touchdowns in a 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

#Raiders QB Geno Smith's 7 INTs have come on downfield passes of 10+ air yards — 3rd-most by any quarterback thru the first four weeks of any season in @NextGenStats era (since 2016).

He has not completed a downfield pass at home this season, going 0 for 17 with 6 INTs.

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) October 1, 2025

Also, take this into consideration: Joe Flacco, who is second in the league with six interceptions throw, was benched by the Cleveland Browns and the team will turn to rookie Dillon Gabriel at the all-important signal caller spot.

All logical reasons for a quarterback competition in Las Vegas.

No dice, says Carroll.

“No. Nope. We’re not there,” the Raiders head coach said when asked if he considered turning to backup Kenny Pickett to replace Smith after throwing a trio of interceptions this past Sunday.

You know a situation is a little dire when even eternal optimists see something going awry and deviation from the current path is ideal. Such as:

Geno Smith has essentially given the Bears 13 points. At some point, the Raiders have to ask themselves, after a second 3-INT game, about Kenny Pickett. No hate, just reality.

— Hondo Carpenter (@HondoCarpenter) September 28, 2025

But as Carroll noted, Smith is entrenched as the starter. And it’s easy to see why there won’t be a fight for the QB1 role in Las Vegas when you look at: Smith’s contract, Carroll’s staunch belief in the quarterback, and Pickett’s resume.

Tip of the Cap​

Smith is the Silver & Black’s $75 million man.

When he was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks via trade — to reunite Carroll with the quarterback he helped resurrect — Smith and the Raiders agreed to a two-year, $75 million contract extension that runs through the 2027 season.

The Raiders are on the hook for Smith’s $24 million base salary, $16 million roster bonus, and $40 million guaranteed salary this year. In 2026, the quarterback’s base salary jumps to $26.5 million and his guaranteed salary is $18.5 million (and there’s no roster bonus). In 2027, Smith’s base salary is $39.5 million with no roster bonus or guaranteed coin. And that’s the potential out the Raiders have as there would be no dead cap tied to Smith. Smith’s dead money figure as of now is $58.5 million and in 2026, it’s an $18.5 million sum, according to Over The Cap.

On the money factor alone, Las Vegas is obligated to continue to see if it can get a return on investment when it comes to their starting quarterback. Smith was acquired to provide Carroll a familiar face and veteran and provide a steady presence at the all-important quarterback position. It’s been anything but, however, on coin alone, the Raiders aren’t going to bench him until things go awfully awry. (And I get the sentiment from fans it’s already there).

Watched the 3 interceptions by Geno Smith. I agree with Geno, there is a better version of himself that he knows can be more consistent. I know he can fix this.

Pressure disguised into Cover by the Bears pic.twitter.com/cnSnorUojV

— Kirk Morrison (@kirkmorrison) September 29, 2025

Carroll’s Corner​

To say the Raiders’ head coach and quarterback are tied at the hip would be an understatement.

Smith spent four seasons with Carroll in Seattle, two of which Smith was Carroll’s starting quarterback: 2022 and 2023. After six straight seasons of toiling around as a backup that rarely played, Smith earned Seattle’s full-time starting gig in 2022 at age 32 and for the next three seasons, captained the Seahawks offense.

Once Carroll returned to the coaching game in Las Vegas, he sought and — with the help of general manager John Spytek — the Raiders facilitated a swap for the Smith.

But despite Smith struggling mightily in terms of taking care of the football though the first four games of the Carroll era in Las Vegas, the head coach is devoted to his signal caller.

“He’s already done it. I thought he did a masterful job of accepting the responsibility, that you guys will all think is so obvious,” Carroll said on how Smith clears what happened in Week 4. “The turnovers — there’s a lot of reasons things happen, but as the quarterback, you got to shoulder it, and he did exactly what he should do. He took a day that he needed, and another day that he needed, and he’s back to full speed, ready to go. And his brain is on, his mind is clicking, and he’s excited about this opportunity.”

Carroll appeared flummoxed with the follow up question: At what point does it become a serious concern, regarding Smith’s play and ability to bounce back.

“I don’t know that gauge. I don’t know what you’re asking me. I don’t know what that gauge would be. At what point?,” Carroll explained. “I don’t have a gauge for that. I’ve never gotten to that point.”

What a ball from Kenny Pickett pic.twitter.com/juhDUj07AL

— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) September 25, 2023

Pickett Fence​

Acquired from the Cleveland Browns for a 2026 fifth-round pick, Pickett was deemed expendable after a hamstring injury kept him sidelined and Cleveland drafting two quarterbacks in the 2025 draft along with veteran Flacco in the room. Pickett was running with the first-team unit before the injury, but got lost in the shuffle.

Now, the 27-year-old who was the 20th overall pick in the 2022 draft is Smith’s backup in Las Vegas as the Raiders needed an experienced QB2 after Aidan O’Connell suffered a broken wrist. Having started 25 of his career 30 games, Pickett flamed out with Pittsburgh and after two seasons, he went to Philadelphia before being traded to Cleveland.

Pickett remains an enigma, however, and while he’s a quarterback that can make all the throws with good mobility, he’s as inconsistent as the play callers he’s had in his four seasons in the NFL. Basically, he’s O’Connell with a stronger arm and better athleticism.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...dont-expect-a-raiders-quarterback-competition

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders Week 5: Defense can get trampled by Colts

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) is no stranger to running all over the Raiders defense. He’s ran for 501 yards and five touchdowns on 83 carries in five career games against the Silver & Black. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Jonathan Taylor is no stranger to trampling the Silver & Black.

In four career games, the Indianapolis Colts workhorse running back galloped for 501 yards on 83 carries with five touchdowns when pitted against the Las Vegas Raiders. That all started when he was a rookie in 2020 (the 41st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin) as he torched the Raiders for 150 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in the Colts’ 44-27 victory.

The following trio of contests against the Silver & Black read: 108 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in 2021; 147 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in 2022; and 96 yards and a score on 21 carries in 2023.

Taylor gets another opportunity to face the Raiders, this time, with defensive-minded head coach Pete Carroll at the helm. And heading into this Week 5 matchup at home against the visiting desert marauders, Taylor leads the NFL in rushing with 414 yards on 77 carries and three touchdowns. The 26-year-old tailback exploded for 165 yards on 25 carries in the Colts Week 2 29-28 win over the Denver Broncos and, most recently, was “corralled” for 76 yards on 17 carries in Indianapolis’ first lost of the year — a 27-20 defeat — against the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday.

Healthy Jonathan Taylor is pretty, pretty, pretty good pic.twitter.com/wnGYMXVKSJ

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 30, 2025

Taylor is at the forefront of the Colts’ impressive offense helmed by head coach and play caller Shane Steichen. Indianapolis ranks fourth in points scored (123) and third in yards gained (1,589) while also boasting the fourth-most productive air attack (1,044 yards) and eighth-ranked ground game in yards (545) and second-ranked in touchdowns (seven).

Taylor is the tip of the Colts spear in the ground game and quarterback Daniel Jones (87 of 121, 71.9 completion percentage, 1,078 yards, four touchdowns to two interceptions, and 54 yards and three touchdowns on 18 rushing attempts) is the start of Indianapolis’ air attack. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren (the 14th pick in the 2025 draft) paces the Colts with 263 receiving yards on 19 catches. Right behind him is veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr at 234 yards and three touchdowns on 21 grabs.

That said, Jones did struggle against the Rams throwing two interceptions to just one touchdown, but he still completed 72.7 percent of his passes (24 of 33) in the loss.

“They’ve made a significant shift in their effectiveness from the offseason to now, and Daniel Jones has been right in the middle of all that. They’ve got good players. They’ve got extremely well equipped, skilled people,” Carroll said of the Steichen’s Colts offense. “Tyler (Warren), the new tight end, he’s their number one targeted guy. The tailback is elite. And so, it’s been a tremendous connection between, let’s say, Shane (Steichen) and Daniel to get him to play at this high level so early in his time with them. They’ve come out flying, and then they’ve have had great success on offense so far. So, Daniel has been the recipient of this opportunity, and thanks to Shane, I would think.”

Welcome back, Daniel Jones

pic.twitter.com/hisGfQD0e8

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 28, 2025

Heading to Indianapolis to stymie (or marginally disrupt) Steichen’s offense is going to be a test of Carroll’s and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s coaching acumen and mettle.

Las Vegas’ defense did well to rebound in Week 4 against the visiting Chicago Bears, particularly against the run. The Raiders were one of the stingier units to run on prior to Week 3 — ranked as high as fourth — but the 201 output the Washington Commanders dropped on Las Vegas plummeted the overall ranking. Graham’s group yielded just 69 yards rushing and 202 passing yards in the 25-24 loss to the Bears.

But with how dangerous Taylor is on the ground and how effective Jones is through the air, Las Vegas must be disciplined and fundamentally sound in Indianapolis. If not, the Graham’s unit may get carved up something fierce by Steichen and his group.

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has long been the tone setter for the Raiders defense and his continued disruption (five total tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and three pass deflections against Chicago) buoys the group. Las Vegas needs a strong game from leading tackler and linebacker Devin White (34 total tackles, five stops for loss, and a pass deflection), Jamal Adams, defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV, safeties Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao, and cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly, to name a few.

Communication and execution must come together, lest the Raiders give up touchdowns like this one against the Bears:

I knew the EZ angle of this Caleb WIlliams throw wouldn't disappoint. That's an actual laser beam. https://t.co/Gz7To7fRuI pic.twitter.com/qPx22YKrss

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 29, 2025

Head-to-Head​

Sunday’s matchup is No. 23 for the Raiders and Colts. Thus far, the series record is knotted at 11-11 — 10-10 in regular season play and 1-1 in postseason action. Indianapolis rides a two-game win streak besting Las Vegas 23-20 in late December 2023 and 25-20 in November 2022. Las Vegas did win the early January 2022 contest 23-20. The very first game between the two franchises was in 1971 when the Baltimore Colts topped the Oakland Raiders 27-17 in the AFC Championship game.

Quotes of Note​

“He’s really consistent and really firm technique wise, didn’t get knocked off the ball at all. Like you said, he hadn’t had a lot of opportunities and hadn’t had a lot of featured opportunities in passing down situations. They had some other stars on that team, so he couldn’t get the opportunity. But he’s contributed in a huge way, and he’s just as steady as a rock. And I don’t know if you guys have had chance to talk to him, but he’s a beautiful kid, and he has a lot to offer all of us. And so again, I think we’re just learning to appreciate it more. And he had a couple really big plays in the game too, which was great.”

—Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll when asked about defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ders-week-5-defense-can-get-trampled-by-colts

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders expect Brock Bowers to play Sunday, Germaine Pratt out

Las Vegas Raiders star tight end Brock Bowers didn’t practice Friday for the second straight day with a lingering knee injury.

Yet, Raiders coach Pete Carroll indicated Bowers was being rested and he expects him to play Sunday at the Indianapolis Colts. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. PT. CBS reported earlier Friday that there is “optimism” that Bowers will play Sunday.

Bowers is listed as questionable to play. He has been dealing with the knee injury since the end of the season opener against the New England Patriots. He hasn’t missed a game, but his production has notably dipped over the last three weeks. He has 122 receiving yards in the past three games total. He didn’t have a three-game stretch with that few yards as a rookie. The injury is clearly hampering Bowers, who has been playing with a knee brace. He told reporters Friday the injury has affected him.

#Raiders TE Brock Bowers said he's not allowed to share the specifics of his knee injury, but added it's been frustrating to deal with.

"I want to be back to going full speed, being able to separate from guys. I feel like I can't really do that to the best of my abilities right…

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) October 3, 2025

Friday afternoon, after practice, Carroll’s availability and the release of the injury report, the team announced linebacker Germaine Pratt will not travel to Indianapolis. No reason was given other than it’s not an injury issue.

The veteran has played 88 percent of the defensive snaps this season and has 25 tackles. Jamal Adams will likely get more snaps Sunday with Pratt out.

Backup tight end Michael Mayer (concussion) and starting cornerback Eric Stokes (knee) are also listed as questionable. Mayer was hurt earlier in Week 3 and Stokes was hurt Sunday against the Bears. They were both limited all week.

Star defensive end Maxx Crosby practiced fully Friday, a day after being limited with a knee injury. He is not on the injury report and is fully ready to play at the 3-1 Colts for the 1-3 Raiders.

Meanwhile, Friday, the Raiders put backup edge rusher Brennan Jackson on the injured reserve with a foot injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday and didn’t work Thursday. Jackson, a waiver claim from the Rams in August, has played in three games. He has played 47 snaps on special teams and none on defense.

Wide receiver Alex Bachman was promoted to the 53-man roster from the practice squad to take Jackson’s place. Bachman was elevated on game day twice this season. He has played 30 snaps on special teams and six on offense. He appeared in six games for the Raiders last season. He has three receptions for 31 yards.

For the Colts, wide receiver Alex Pierce remains out with a concussion. The Colts’ other starting wide receiver, Michael Pittman is not on the injury report. He was limited in practice Thursday with a hamstring issue.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...s-injury-news-brock-bowers-questionable-colts

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Silver Minings: Raiders may be without Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer Sunday

The Las Vegas Raiders are heading to Indianapolis to take on the Indianapolis Colts on the road. They will be hoping to end their three-game losing streak after opening the season with a win on the road vs. the New England Patriots.

However, during that win, Brock Bowers ended up with a knee injury, and he didn’t finish the matchup. While he has played through the injury in the last three games, he missed the previous two days of practice this week. Also, the other tight end who formed the great tandem was Michael Mayer, who was dealing with a concussion from Week 3. Mayer was limited in practice all week, and there were hopes that both would play. It was announced on Saturday that both players were likely to be out against the Colts.

#Raiders star TE Brock Bowers is trending toward not playing Sunday against the #Colts, per me and @TomPelissero. Bowers has been battling a knee injury.

While coach Pete Carroll expressed confidence in Bowers being out on the field, his knee didn’t respond. pic.twitter.com/kI6wCAp93J

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2025

Both players being out for the game will hurt the offense and the run game. They will have to depend on Ian Thomas and Carter Runyon to step up and help fill the void at the position. Of course, replacing Bowers, who is one of the best tight ends in football, will not be easy. It will be felt in the passing game, which he helped even during his injury.

The Raiders already faced a tough matchup, and now it has become even tougher.

In other Raiders links:

• TDL film preview vs the Colts: The guys at TDL have the film breakdown of what to expect Sunday as the Raiders face the Colts.
• Defense can get trampled by the Colts: Ray Aspuria has the breakdown of the Colts’ dynamic offense to help you get ready for Sunday.
• Mark Sanchez was replaced for the Raiders-Colts game by Brady Quinn: Mark Sanchez was arrested on Sunday after an incident in Indianapolis, and Brady Quinn will take his place.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...without-brock-bowers-and-michael-mayer-sunday

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders-Colts what they’re saying, Calls for Pete Carroll’s and Geno Smith’s jobs get louder

After a Week 5 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Las Vegas Raiders sit at 1-4 and have more questions than answers.

Sunday’s loss makes it four in a row for the Raiders and two games that weren’t even competitive out of the last three. They’re also sitting at a negative 56 point differential on the campaign and aren’t even close to competing for a playoff spot, let alone a division title. As a result, head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith are taking plenty of heat.

Smith came into the contest leading the NFL in interceptions with seven and will continue to hold that distinction after tossing two more (and it should have been three) in Indianapolis. He continues to make the same mistakes over and over, but Carroll doesn’t seem to be willing to make a change under center.

The head coach was asked why he didn’t bench Smith and told reporters that the offense needs more practice together. So, it doesn’t sound like backup Kenny Pickett will be getting an opportunity anytime soon, despite the fanbase making it known that they’d like to see a change. Thus, Carroll’s job is getting called into question, too.

Special teams coach Tom McMahon should be on the hot seat as well. Las Vegas has gotten handled on special teams in a few games already.

The #Raiders are an epic failure.

Pete Carroll needs to consider retirement.

Tom McMahon should be fired tonight.

Geno Smith needs to be benched.

Lose out, for the good of the franchise.

— The Raider Grader (@wins4tony) October 5, 2025

Geno smith gotta have insane blackmail on Pete Carroll cus how have you not been benched??

— ab.sol (@ab_12sol) October 5, 2025

Didn’t expect the #Raiders hiring HC Pete Carroll would instantly vault us to the Superbowl but definitely hoped it would bring an end to the EMBARRASSING losses. 50% of our losses this season have been dominating blowouts. #Raidernation pic.twitter.com/T5Swj8gyR7

— Chris Reed (@ChrisReed_NFL) October 5, 2025

I've seen enough. Fire Pete Carroll, this team is straight trash pic.twitter.com/MIUmCIRy66

— Chill.Ray (@CR8624) October 5, 2025

Pete Carroll going to be a rare #Raiders HC that has awful team in all 3 phases
Even in darkest seasons, special teams group has been on point.
Compounding matters: Vegas had 3 coaches on special teams https://t.co/MUgkSwkkLQ

— Ray Aspuria (@AsukalAspuria) October 5, 2025

Carroll says the wins are coming. I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for them, though.

Pete Carroll believes the wins, the results are coming#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/4rUY8c3vdC

— Vince Sapienza (@VinceSapienza) October 5, 2025

RaiderHaterInstigator
“You’re either competing or you’re not.”

You got that right Pete. You got that right.

To put things into perspective, the Raiders were 2-3 under Antonio Pierce at this point last year…

So let me ask again what’s the difference between AP & Pete Carroll #RaiderNation ? i’d love to know

— Theraiderrundown (@raiderrundown4) October 5, 2025

#Raiders in 2024 through 5 games: 2-3, 98 points scored, 131 points allowed.
Raiders in 2025 through 5 games: 1-4, 83 points scored, 139 points allowed.
They have not gotten better under Pete Carroll yet.

— Bill Williamson (@BWilliamsonNFL) October 5, 2025

This will be a situation to monitor. Germaine Pratt has arguably been the Raiders’ best linebacker this season, and he didn’t even make the trip to Indianapolis. Carroll’s vague comments make it seem like something happened and there’s more to the story.

When asked about LB Germaine Pratt’s absence, #Raiders HC Pete Carroll said “decided to go with the other guys.”

Pratt did not travel with the team due to a non-injury related reason.

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) October 5, 2025

As far as Smith goes, the picture below feels pretty accurate.

Geno Smith on the Raiders pic.twitter.com/9Y54FgeFFb

— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) October 5, 2025

Most INT thrown this season

Geno Smith 9
Joe Flacco 6
Jake Browning 5
5 players tied 4 pic.twitter.com/YUDVZTU6nT

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) October 5, 2025

You HAVE TO bench Geno Smith at this point.

Can't stop turning the ball over.

— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) October 5, 2025

ESPN’s Mina Kimes is one of Geno’s biggest supporters, and she’s not even in his corner anymore.

Thought the Raiders offense would be good this year. I was dead wrong. Not much to defend. https://t.co/DL5T9x6l9d

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) October 5, 2025

The Raiders’ X/Twitter account posted a picture of Smith with the caption: “Focused.” It aged like milk.

https://t.co/lyBIfL9V37 pic.twitter.com/Ed88dH8ZPi

— Kenny King Jr (@KennyKing_Jr) October 5, 2025

Chip Kelly sums up Raider Nation in this picture.

The Colts have the Raiders offensive coordinator going through multiple stages of depression pic.twitter.com/1jjTD0BVZv

— Josh (@jtbNBA) October 5, 2025

Las Vegas is struggling to keep up with the rest of the division; the gap feels like it’s getting wider by the week.

RaiderHaterInstigator
Rest of AFC West progressing. Raiders basement dwellers.
MoreWingsForMoe
Oh well, off to Hooter’s for more chicken wings, and laughing all the way to the bank.

https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/mark_davis.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1024
Traider
It’s sad that just 4 weeks ago I was half way optimistic about this team and coaching. Another punishing year to watch, or not watch

How many more games are you going to be able to watch at this rate?

Vila41
Team is a complete mess right now, and Geno is playing way below his baseline. It’s hard to watch this kind of product. I wasn’t expecting a Super Bowl win, but I wasn’t expecting this level of garbage either.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...0/raiders-colts-pete-recap-carroll-geno-smith

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders Week 6 opponent: Meet the Titans

The Las Vegas Raiders are back home in Week 6 as they will host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Let’s take a quick look at the Titans:

Record:

The Titans are 1-4 after a wild 22-21 win at the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The Titans had a one percent win probability in the fourth quarter of the game and it snapped a 10-game losing streak dating back to last season. That crazy win may have saved coach Brian Callahan’s job.

Another young quarterback:

The Raiders have faced Drake Maye of the New England Patriots (Week 1) and Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears (Week 4). They are all in their second season after being first-round draft picks in 2024. In Week 6, the Raiders will face Cam Ward, who was the No. 1 overall pick this year.

Last meeting:

The Titans beat the Raiders in Nashville 24-22 on September 25, 2022. This is the Titans’ first game against the Raiders in Las Vegas.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...108583/raiders-week-6-opponent-titans-preview

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Chiefs-Jaguars open thread

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/game-day-threads/109067/chiefs-jaguars-open-thread

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

A lot of rookies play in Week 5

The Las Vegas Raiders have nine of their 11 draft picks on their 53-man roster. Let’s look at in a 40-6 Week 5 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and what to expect in Week 6 at home against the Tennessee Titans.

Ashton Jeanty:

The No. 6 overall draft pick played a season-low 54 percent of the snaps a week after his breakout performance. Jeanty had 67 yards on 14 carries (4.8 yard per carry average). He did have a season-high five catches for 42 yards. He was targeted seven times after being target a total of eight times in the first four games. The Raiders did use Jeanty a lot on their opening (and best) drive of the game. They just have keep getting him involved.

Jack Bech:

The second-round pick played 36 snaps against the Colts after playing 30 in the first four games. He was targeted five times after being targeted twice all season. He had three catches for 36 yards. It will be interesting to see if Bech continues to more as in the coming weeks.

Darien Porter:

The cornerback, taken in the third round, played all 66 defensive snaps after played 33 snaps earlier in the season. He played for the injured Eric Stokes. Porter seemed to perform solidly. If will be interesting if he plays for the struggling Kyu Blu Kelly when Stokes returns, which could be this week.

Caleb Rogers:

The offensive lineman, taken in the third round, was inactive for the fourth time in five games.

Charles Grant:

The offensive lineman, taken in the third round, was active for the first time because Kolton Miller is out for the next 4-6 weeks with a high-ankle sprain. He played three snaps on special teams. Last week, coach Pete Carroll said Grant may soon be ready to push Stone Forsythe for playing time if Miller is out.

Dont’e Thornton:

The wide receiver, taken in the fourth round, played a season-low 47 percent of the snaps at the Colts. He was targeted twice with no receptions. He hasn’t had a catch since Week 3. Frankly, Thornton doesn’t look quite ready to make an impact despite getting a lot of opportunities.

Tonka Hemingway:

The fourth-round pick played for the first time since the season opener. He played 14 snaps on defense after playing 11 in Week 1. He didn’t play any on special teams after playing seven snaps in Week 1. Hemingway looked active Sunday. Let’s see if he will continue to play.

JJ Pegues:

The defensive tackle, taken in the sixth round, was active for the second straight game. He played 12 snaps after playing 15 against Chicago. He had one tackle in both games.

Cody Lindenberg:

The seventh-round pick played no snaps on defense, but played 84 percent of the snaps on special teams, which has been his play-time range.

Carter Runyan:

The undrafted free agent tight end played the past two games and was signed to the active roster before this game. He played six offensive snaps at the Colts because Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer is out. He also played 14 snaps on special teams, which will likely be his primary role when the Raiders get healthy at the position.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/las-vegas-raiders-draft/111776/raiders-rookies-play-week-5

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Get to know new Raiders’ linebacker Jon Rhattigan

The Las Vegas Raiders are signing linebacker Jon Rhattigan to their 53-man roster, according to his agency JL Sports. Let’s take a closer look at Rhattigan:

Congratulations to client Jon Rhattigan signing with the @Raiders active roster

— JL Sports (@JLSports3) October 7, 2025

Size:

6-0, 236 pounds.

NFL experience:|

Rhattigan entered the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021. He was in their program from 2021-23. He was cut by the Seahawks in 2024 and claimed on waivers by the Carolina Panthers. He was cut by the Panthers this August and spent the past five weeks on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad, where the Raiders signed him to the 53-man roster from, according to his agent. He’s played in 53 NFL games, including one with the Steelers this season.

College:

Rhattigan went to Army. He was signed by the Seahawks in 2021 as an undrafted free agent.

Raiders ties:

He was with Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll and some assistants, including linebacker coach John Glenn in Seattle for three seasons. Rhattigan played in 36 games for Carroll.

Why is he signing with Raiders:

The Raiders had an opening on the 53-man roster after cutting starting linebacker Germaine Pratt.

How he will fit in with Raiders:

Rhattigan, 26, fills a backup spot in Pratt’s absence. Clearly, Carroll trusts him. He will likely play mostly special teams. He has plenty of game experience.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...7/raiders-news-jon-rhattigan-signs-linebacker

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

How Raiders’ red zone defense fell apart against Colts

Heading into the Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, the Las Vegas Raiders were one of the top red zone defenses in the league. According to TeamRankings, the Raiders allowed touchdowns on about 38.5 percent of red zone possessions, which ranked fourth-best in the league. However, after letting the Colts go six-for-six, Las Vegas has fallen into a tie for 13th as the figure jumps up to just under 58 percent.

So, what happened in Indianapolis? How did the defense’s strength get turned into a weakness? Let’s flip on the tape and find out.

Diving into why the #Raiders defense struggled in the red zone against the Colts ()

1st play is pretty simple, Jeremy Chinn gets caught flat-footed and isn't able to drive on the out route to prevent the TD pic.twitter.com/chKmd8UU5C

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) October 6, 2025

This first clip is pretty simple. The Raiders are in man coverage, where safety Jeremy Chinn draws rookie tight end Tyler Warren on an out route. Chinn is protecting the middle of the field/inside initially, but he gets caught flat-footed and can’t drive on the out route. Notice how he takes several steps to break toward the sideline. That’s a result of not being in a good stance or athletic position with his knees bent.

Now, it’s unlikely that Chinn prevents the completion here, but he could have at least been in a position to stop the touchdown. In my opinion, this is the case of a guy just not being ready to play.

Devin White has good coverage on the wheel route from Jonathan Taylor initially, but White doesn't try to make a play on the ball and keeps his hands on Taylor, drawing the PI call pic.twitter.com/2UBWwm82oh

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) October 6, 2025

This next clip is frustrating because Las Vegas is in man coverage again, and linebacker Devin White does a good job of covering the wheel route from running back Jonathan Taylor initially. However, White never tries to make a play on the ball, despite being in a position to do so, and keeps his hands on Taylor throughout the entire route. As a result, good coverage turns into a pass interfernce call and the Colts get the ball on the two-yard line.

3 plays later, Maxx Crosby tries to swim the extra OL but gets caught, Devin White gets kicked inside by the TEs, leaving Quenton Nelson with a full head of steam against Darien Porter pic.twitter.com/eugiahspEV

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) October 6, 2025

Three plays later, Indianapolis comes out in 13 personnel, where one of the three tight ends is actually an extra offensive lineman. However, Las Vegas doesn’t match personnel properly, leaving four defensive backs on the field, including rookie cornerback Darien Porter.

So, when Crosby gets caught trying to beat the extra offensive lineman with an outside swim move and then blocked into the second level, on top of White getting kicked inside by the combo blocks from the two true tight ends, Porter is left to take on the pulling guard, seven-time Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson. Obviously, that matchup favors the offense, and it doesn’t help that safety Isaiah Pola-Mao doesn’t scrape over the top of the tight end. Instead, Pola-Mao gets blocked and doesn’t make contact with Taylor until the goal line.

There’s no shortage of issues on this play, but it would help if the Raiders had an extra linebacker on the field instead of Porter. Granted, that could be a symptom of the Germaine Pratt situation, but Jamal Adams, Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Lindenberg were all active for the game. Any of those three would have been better options in this situation.

Same play call (just a slightly different formation), Raiders blitz Jamal Adams and Chinn steps downhill, so Porter is 1on1 with Nelson again. Also, Elandon Roberts misses. Taylor gets 8 yards and the 1st down pic.twitter.com/a045nRGHZ7

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) October 6, 2025

Here, the Colts run the same play (power) out of 13 personnel again, just with a slightly different formation. They have three true tight ends on the field and put one (Warren) at the wide receiver spot attached to the formation. Again, the Raiders stay in base personnel and Porter has to take on a block from Nelson, who has a full head of steam.

This time, Las Vegas blitzes Adams through the D-gap, but Indianapolis’ tight end picks up the blitz and pins Adams inside. The bigger issue is that Chinn takes the bait from Daniel Jones as Jones fakes the handoff to the weakside before giving Taylor the ball on the strongside of the formation. That makes Warren’s block easy as he seals Chinn inside, which, combined with a corner taking on a pulling guard, prevents the defense from having anyone to force Taylor inside or to cut up the field.

So, Elandon Roberts has to cover more ground laterally and misses the tackle, resulting in an eight-yard pickup and a first down.

2 plays later, both DTs get blocked into the end zone, Roberts vacates the backside A-gap and Taylor runs right through it for a TD pic.twitter.com/CAsezD9WxG

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) October 6, 2025

Two plays later, defensive lineman Jonah Laulu gets penetration but is the only defender who wins. Meanwhile, defensive tackles Thomas Booker IV and Adam Butler both get blocked into the end zone. Also, Butler is slanting into the playside A-gap post-snap, which means Roberts is responsible for the backside A-gap. However, Roberts gets set up by Taylor and vacates his area.

So, all the running back has to do is avoid Laulu in the backfield and run straight through the open gap for a touchdown.

2 plays in 1 here

1) Cover 4, Roberts protects MOF and Chinn stays on the GL, so the curl route is wide open for the 1st

2) Cover 3, Porter passes of Pittman to Pola-Mao, who follows Warren on the hook route, leaving Pittman open on the scramble pic.twitter.com/mRAX9cHCTq

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) October 6, 2025

We’ll get two reps in one clip here as both expose coverage flaws from the Raiders, and they occurred on back-to-back plays.

In the first one, Las Vegas runs Cover 4, where Roberts drops toward the middle of the field to favor the passing strength and Chinn stays on the goal line to prevent the touchdown. The problem with the latter is that it’s third and six, so the defense has a chance to force a field goal. However, with the linebacker in the middle of the field and the safety playing deep, the short curl route is wide open for an easy first down.

On the very next play, the Raiders are in Cover 3. Porter tries to pass off wide receiver Michael Pittman, who runs a dig route, to Pola-Mao. But Pola-Mao has his eyes on Warren and vacates the middle of the field, as Warren runs a hook route over the ball. So, the safety is out of position and can’t make a play on the ball in the air, while the cornerback ends up covering no one, resulting in Pittman being open for a touchdown on the scramble.

No D-lineman in either A-gap, Butler and Booker get driven backward, and White is pushed out of his gap. Tyree Wilson does save the TD, but it's a 4 yard gain to set up 2nd & 2

(Roberts tho ) pic.twitter.com/ZqSK9g10cF

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) October 6, 2025

For starters here, it looks like Las Vegas’ defensive line isn’t in the correct front because there isn’t a defensive tackle in either A-gap, and Roberts and Butler are both lined up in the backside B-gap pre-snap. On top of that, both interior defenders (Butler and Laulu) get blown off the ball against the inside zone call from Indianapolis. Additionally, White ends up getting blocked from the middle of the field to the hash mark.

The Raiders were lucky that Tyree Wilson beat Warren’s block to prevent the touchdown. Still, it’s a four-yard gain on first-and-goal from the six-yard line, setting up second and short.

The next play, Laulu gets pancaked and Crosby gets caught trying to time the snap count, so Ameer Abdullah goes up the gut for a TD pic.twitter.com/WyFktWkPnu

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) October 6, 2025

Then again, the Raiders’ luck was short-lived since Ameer Abdullah scored on the next play. It’s another simple inside zone run; Laulu just gets pancaked by the combo block from the right guard and tackle, while Warren catches Crosby trying to time up the snap count. That creates a backside cutback lane right where the ball was snapped, so Chinn has to cover too much ground to make the touchdown-saving tackle.

Toward the end of the game here and feels like a lot of guys were checked out.

2nd-level defenders don't slide over when Indy balances the formation, so the weakside B-gap is wide open. Plus, White and Roberts finish the rep in the end zone pic.twitter.com/5wOxJpJz72

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) October 6, 2025

We’ll wrap up with Indianapolis’ final touchdown toward the end of the third quarter. To be honest, Las Vegas’ biggest issue on this rep is that players were just checked out at this point in the game.

The Colts come out in an unbalanced look with both tight ends on the same side of the formation, before Warren motions to the other side and balances out the formation. However, no one on the second level of Las Vegas’ defense adjusts, so the unit has two defenders (Crosby and Adams) in the strongside D-gap, two in the strongside B-gap (Booker and Roberts) and White standing over the center. That leaves the weakside B-gap wide open.

Post-snap, Laulu doesn’t get across Nelson’s face while the center pulls, making the hole in the B-gap even wider. Also, I have a hard time believing that this is the best effort White and Roberts can give, as they both get blocked several yards down the field and Taylor goes untouched into the end zone.

---

Combine all of that, and it’s easy to see why the Raiders couldn’t get a stop in the red zone on Sunday.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...s-colts-recap-red-zone-defense-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Scouting: Dante Moore

Oregon QB Dante Moore has had an up and down collegiate career to this point. Originally crystal ball’d to Notre Dame, Moore committed to UCLA before then transferring to Oregon after his freshman season. During his freshman year at UCLA, Moore logged a 53% completion rate, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added a 6.4% big time throw rate but a 4% turnover worthy play rate as well. After just 8 attempts his sophomore season at Oregon behind Dillon Gabriel, Moore has broke into the scene in 2025 putting himself as a possible Heisman candidate. The 6’3/205 Moore has logged a 75% completion rate, 1210 yards, 14 touchdowns, and an interception with another 172 yards and 2 TD on the ground.

Dante Moore will face off against Fernando Mendoza, Saturday the 11th as Indiana and Oregon go head to head.

Positives:​

Moore has an adequate NFL frame, at 6’3/205 though he will need to add more weight in the NFL just to ensure injury prevention. Moore posses a quick compact release that is consistent and allows for him to generate zip and get the ball out into tight quick windows. Moore has exceptional arm talent, showing the ability to layer the ball and complete hole shot throws which are vital to a college QBs success in the NFL. He mixes his velocity, generates good touch and zip on the ball showing the ability to generate high levels of velocity on his throws. Additionally, Moore has good anticipation and accuracy on his intermediate and short throws where he will work the middle and sidelines throwing into space. The junior quarterback also demonstrates the ability to look off defenders and put the ball in his receivers chest in stride to create separation and YAC opportunities. His mechanics are fluid with a baseball pitcher approach. His feet and hips work in unison and allow Moore to generate good velocity and drive behind his passes. Though he’ll need to clean things up, the mechanics are extremely advanced and showing of constant success. Moore shows the ability to identify coverages and blitzes, and converts his offense to adjust to defensive personnel, a freedom Dan Lanning has given him. Due to his anticipation and mental ability to identify incoming pressure, Moore has succeeded while pressured throwing 185 yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 attempts with a 62% completion rate. In addition, when blitzed Moore has a 6% big time throw rate, 0% turnover worthy play rate, and 339 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a 72% completion rate on 25 of 35 attempts. Moore works well under pressure, he’s composed and tough while also being able to work the pocket in his favor to move around and make plays while stepping up or the side in order to avoid a collapsing edge rusher or blitzing linebacker. Moore showcases good deep ball traits, with the constant ability to complete 40+ yard throws with exceptional touch and in times in front of the receiver in order to create more success. Moore trusts his arm, but doesn’t overly trust it allowing him to constantly create big time plays but limit the failures. He rarely drops his shoulder leading to fading balls, understands leverage assignments from the cornerback and defensive backs which allow him to also put the ball into tight windows only his receiver can get it. Moore has athletic traits to run and can be a threat in the NFL as a scrambling quarterback or on designed runs, but at Oregon he utilizes those traits to move around the pocket and extend plays when needed. Through this, Moore also shows the ability to complete off platform throws while still generating good velocity.

Dante Moore may be the most poised QB in college football. pic.twitter.com/SoSU1YONrS

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 28, 2025

Weakness:​

Moore has his struggles at times with consistent downfield throws, while the deep pass attempts are effortless and quick Moore has shown to lose velocity on deep concepts over the middle or deep out route concepts. At only 20 years old, it is likely that this does continue to develop and can become adequate talent levels. Moore needs to become more consistent in his mechanics, especially footwork where he can get choppy at times and force the ball outside his receivers frame or too low. This also shows under pressure, where still successful, but Moore does speed up physically and his throwing motion can become awkward and inconsistent leading to off platform throws when not necessary. Moore is a threat to run but he lacks burst and acceleration and likely won’t rush for more than 6-10 yards at a clip, he’s adequate at scrambling and in certain systems will be a threat on rushing concepts but he’s not going to push north of 500/600 yards in a season. Moore has a tendency at times to hold onto the ball which will result in a sack, though he’s worked through this at Oregon and has seen his release time (2.31) at a career low and one of the fastest in college football. There’s some concern when it comes to Moore’s ability to keep up in the NFL quick concept, and he will need to show increased ability to progress his reads quick and get the ball out without second guessing himself which happens at times in Oregon. Finally, the junior quarterback will need to show that his interceptions can stay low, like they have this season, and also hold onto the ball where he’s struggled with 6 career fumbles.

Grade: 1.28 – Early First Rounder

Pro-Comp: Dak Prescott

Moore has shown advanced development this season, something that was expected but not at this level. The junior quarterback is likely to declare, and likely will be a top 5 selection. He has the NFL level arm talent, quick mechanics, and possess the ability to be advanced in numerous facets that most college quarterback prospects aren’t. Oregon has produced back to back NFL starting quarterbacks as rookies, and Moore will likely continue in that pipeline. He generates velocity and elite deep ball ability that offensive coordinators will fall in love with. He has to continue to stay consistent and with that will come more success, especially at the NFL level.

Dante Moore is currently my QB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/aqrgPZDQ8g

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 1, 2025

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/general/111638/dante-moore-scouting-report-raiders

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders Week 5: Special teams contributes to loss again

Pete Carroll is trending towards a rare Silver & Black head coach whose team is awful in all three phases of the game. Even in the darkest of seasons, the special teams group operated on nominal settings while the offense and defense couldn’t gain any footing.

Not for the 2025 rendition of the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Indianapolis Colts’ Segun Olubi sprinting around the right edge to block AJ Cole III’s punt this past Sunday was the latest example of special teams gaffe for the Silver & Black in its inaugural year with Carroll at the helm. That big play gave the Colts momentum they wouldn’t relinquish in a pure 40-6 shellacking. The week before, kicker Daniel Carlson watched the Chicago Bears block his go-ahead field goal attempt with 33 seconds left in the game and the Raiders lost to the Chicago Bears 25-24.

For clarification: Michael Mayer is on the holding team blocking on the right side.

The blocked kick against the Bears and the blocked punt against the Colts were runners coming off that side untouched, where Mayer would be blocking if not concussed. https://t.co/SIiIvHEouj

— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) October 6, 2025

Carroll noted the absence of tight end Michael Mayer in both field goal and punt team erodes the special teams group’s effectiveness.

“Well, we’ve had a couple plays that have happened where Mike Mayer plays, and we haven’t backed it up well enough. These guys have been challenged, and so we got to get our guys right,” Carroll said during his Monday media session. “If Mike can play, then we’d like to get him back in there. But there’s been a couple situations that have occurred where he’s a key player for you, and it just shows you that it’s hard with backups got to come in and they’re called on to play just like a legit starter, and so hopefully we clean that up.”

The senseless special teams group combining with the 30th-ranked offense and 25th-ranked defense — in terms of points scored and allowed — are a concoction of catastrophe. And it’s no surprise to see the Raiders at 1-4 overall. Be it Mayer becoming available and healthy or stressing the importance of attention to detail with backups, Carroll and special teams coordinator Tom McMahon need to course correct and get the group back in steadfast shape.

Carroll for one, remains resolute that McMahon — stepped in 19 years of being a special teams boss — can get it done.

“Yeah, we’re working really hard like we have been. Tommy’s been here a long time and done a good job with the club and for the club, and we haven’t changed any of our emphasis. We’ve followed it as much as we can, and we’re counting on really good results,” Carroll explained. “So, the fact that big plays have happened, we got to make sure that we got guys in the right spots. We’re going to keep working with new guys to fit in, see if they can make plays for us. We need our guys that are covering the kicks to do a consistent job, and I’d like to have more defensive guys on those teams when we can.

“But really, our emphasis has been, I would think, is consistent as any part of our team. So, we just got to get better results. We got to get away from the big plays.”

The Raiders were fortunate a holding penalty wiped out the Colts’ 98-yard kickoff return right after Las Vegas took a 3-0 lead off a Carlson’s field goal during the team’s opening drive.

A holding penalty just erased a #Colts 98 yard kickoff return TD pic.twitter.com/8EecS4EIEl

— Im not a fan of your favorite team (@fsh733) October 5, 2025

There are compounding factors to this for Las Vegas, however.

Cole suffered what the team describes as a low-ankle sprain and the punter will try to kick on Friday to gauge availability and effectiveness. Cole not only serves as the Raiders’ field flipping punter, but he’s also the holder on Carlson’s field goal attempts. While he wasn’t able to punt after the block this past Sunday, Cole was still able to complete holding duties, albeit, hobbled.

Then there’s the fact that McMahon isn’t lone wolf. He’s got Kade Rannings (six years of experience) and Derius Swinton II (15 years of experience) as his pair of assistant coaches in the special teams room, which makes you honestly wonder how mistakes are happening with a trio of coaches helming the group.

Where They Stand​

Carlson went 2-for-3 against the Colts and his lone miss was the 57-yard try that sailed wide right just before halftime in Indianapolis. The Raiders place kicker ranks seventh in the league with 12 attempts and 13th in made boots with nine. That gives Carlson a 75 percent field goal percentage which is far below the league average of 83.7 percent.

In terms of attempts and makes, the Tennessee Titans’ Joey Slye paces the league with 17 tries and is tied for the NFL lead with 13 kicks made. The Colts’ Spencer Shrader also made 13 boots but was lost for the season after Raiders reserve safety Tristan McCollum injured the kicker’s knee trying to block an extra point attempt.

Cole, meanwhile, ranks 28th in the league with 14 punts. The 717 total yards is good for 25th and the Raiders punter’s 51.2 yards per punt average is good for fifth overall. The Cleveland Browns’ Corey Bojorquez paces the league with 28 total punts while the Cincinnati Bengals’ Ryan Rehkow leads the NFL in total yards (1,433) and average yards per punt (53.1).

We have signed P Brad Robbins to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/jJcUSikeBZ

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 7, 2025

Snap Counts​

Second-year linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and rookie Cody Lindenberg pace the Raiders in special teams snaps with 108 each — good for 85.71 percent of the unit’s total, according to Pro Football Reference. Safety Christopher Smith is right behind with 86 (68.25 percent) with rookie cornerback Darien Porter following with 70 special teams snaps (55.56 percent).

The trio of McCollum (69 snaps, 54.76), running back Dylan Laube (67, 53.17 percent), and wide receiver Justin Shorter (61, 48.41 percent) are clustered closely together.

Before sustaining a concussion, Mayer accounted for 19 special teams snaps. And here’s an interesting one: Defensive end Maxx Crosby, who has played 100 percent of the defensive snaps, has 24 special teams snaps (19.05 percent).

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...eek-5-special-teams-contributes-to-loss-again

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

How to make sure Silver & Black Pride shows up in your Google search

As many of you are likely aware, Google searches are … different these days.

When you search for the latest on Maxx Crosby’s dominance as a defensive terror or Ashton Jeanty’s status update or who will be the next great quarterback the Raiders draft, you’ll get an AI search result at the top, and oftentimes, you’ll get a bunch of results that aren’t what you’re looking for. It can be frustrating.

The good news is Google is offering a solution for folks who like to get their news from specific sources. If you want to help Silver & Black Pride — while also streamlining all your Google searches — there is now a way.

Simply click on this link and add Silver & Black Pride as one of your “Source preferences.” That’s all there is to it!

Back in August, the tech giant debuted a feature called “Preferred Sources.” It’s a way for Google to prominently feature the results from websites you trust, like Silver & Black Pride:

“With the launch of Preferred Sources in the U.S. and India, you can select your favorite sources and stay up to date on the latest content from the sites you follow and subscribe to — whether that’s your favorite sports blog or a local news outlet. …

“When you select your preferred sources, you’ll start to see more of their articles prominently displayed within Top Stories, when those sources have published fresh and relevant content for your search.”

As some of you might know, AI searches are hurting outlets around the world and in all spaces. We’ve worked hard at Silver & Black Pride to build a brand you can trust and rely on for Las Vegas Raiders coverage. Our goal is to serve you, the fans.

If you’re a fan of our work and want to get the best Las Vegas Raiders coverage possible, this is an excellent win-win to improve your Google searches while helping Silver & Black Pride out.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...preferred-sources-search-results-instructions

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Silver Minings: Raiders-Titans predictions

It’s time for our weekly Las Vegas Raiders game predicitons.

I’m 4-1 picking Raiders games tis season and they, of course, are 1-4 and have dropped four straight games, with three of those losses being by double digits.

Normally, I would stay away from picking the Silver and Black while they are mired in such a big funk.

But their opponent is the Tennessee Titans and they are awful. Like the Raiders, Tennessee is -14 with their one win coming last week in a miracle one-point win at the Arizona Cardinals in a game the Titans had a one percent win probability rate in the fourth quarter.

So, we have to stick with the home team in this one.

Prediction: Raiders 23, Titans 15

Now, it’s your turn:

In other Raiders’ news:

• What’s going on? Sports Illustrated explores the Raiders troubles on offense.
• Grades: Yahoo has grades for the first quarter of the season for all 32 teams. What did the Raiders get?
• Fond memories: Titans’ coach Brian Callahan’s father, Bill, was the Raiders’ head coach two decades ago. He has great memories of the Oakland days.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...50/nfl-news-raiders-titans-predictions-week-6

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

How has Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward looked so far?

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to take on the Tennessee Titans in a Week 6 matchup between two 1-4 teams. To preview the contest for Raider Nation, we reached out to our friends at Music City Miracles, and Jimmy Morris was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Titans.

Q: How has Cam Ward looked during the early stages of his career? What are his biggest strengths and weaknesses right now?

A: Ward has been up and down to start the season. He was better than the numbers showed in the first two games. He then struggled in the next two and a three quarter games before going on an absolute heater in the fourth quarter last Sunday. He showed in the comeback against the Arizona Cardinals why the Titans took him with the first overall pick. It would be nice to see some more consistency from him, but he has flashed a ton of upside.

His biggest strength is just his overall composure. He never gets rattled, even behind what, at times, has been one of the worst offensive lines I’ve ever seen. That doesn’t mean he will end up being great, but it should help him weather the storm of a bad team around him.

His biggest weakness so far has been getting lazy with his footwork. He has such a good arm that he was able to get by at the lower levels without always doing the proper footwork. That’s not the case in the NFL. It has caused him to miss some throws that should be easy completions. I have no doubt he will correct that as he continues to play.

Q: On a similar note, have Ward and Calvin Ridley formed an immediate connection? Or is there another Titans’ pass-catcher who seems to have good chemistry with the rookie quarterback?

A: That’s an interesting question. So much was made of their connection in training camp and the preseason. Then the regular season started, and Ridley forgot how to catch the ball. He had at least four drops through the first two games. However, last week in the fourth quarter comeback against the Arizona Cardinals, Ward found Ridley for two huge plays. We are all hoping that gets them going again.

The other receiver that Ward has shown good chemistry with is rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor. Those two have connected on some big plays through the first month of the season.

Q: Can you shine some light on what defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons brings to Tennessee’s defense? If you were Chip Kelly, Las Vegas’ offensive coordinator, how would you go about game-planning for Simmons?

A: He’s just a game-wrecker in the middle of the defense. Everyone shows up to camp “in the best shape of their lives,” but that was actually true for Simmons this season. He lost a bunch of weight in the offseason. Right now, he is one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year. Check out this play Simmons made against the Houston Texans a couple of weeks ago.

Jeffery Simmons sacked C.J. Stroud in 2.09 seconds, the fastest sack league wide over the last two seasons.

Simmons crossed the line of scrimmage 0.32 seconds after the snap, the fastest get-off time by a DT this season.#TENvsHOU | #TitanUppic.twitter.com/xVgPSgYHUC

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 28, 2025

You have to double-team Simmons on every play. He demands that. The good news for Kelly is that the Titans have basically zero EDGE rush presence, so you can assign extra guys to Simmons without suffering that much on the outside.

Q: Former Kansas City Chiefs’ cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was a significant addition for the Titans during the 2024 offseason, but a quad injury limited him to just five games last year. Now that he’s healthy, how has Sneed looked so far this season?

A: He’s been up and down. He followed Davante Adams in the week two game against the Los Angeles Rams and did a pretty good job. Then, in the week leading up to the game against the Texans, Sneed responded, “Who?” when asked about Nico Collins. Collins toasted Sneed for a first down on a 2nd and 33 play. He’s still a solid player overall, but he is not the guy the Titans thought they were getting when they traded a third-round pick and signed him to a big contract.

Q: Can you give us one “under-the-radar” player on each side of the ball who you think will make an impact in the game for the Titans?

A: On offense, rookie tight end Gunnar Helm has had some big catches at key moments. Helm fell to the fourth round in the draft because he didn’t run a good 40 time at the combine. He’s a solid receiver, but still needs some work as a blocker.

On defense, inside linebacker Cedric Gray has really come on in the last couple of weeks. He has racked up 29 total tackles in the last two games. Gray was a fourth-round pick in 2024 but struggled to get going after missing a lot of training camp due to injury. The light has really come on for him this year.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...112168/raiders-titans-week-6-preview-cam-ward

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raider Nation has their lowest confidence in the team’s direction

The Las Vegas Raiders are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The 40-6 loss is their second blowout loss on the road of the season, and everything looks dim for them as we advance into the season.

When the team picked up Geno Smith this offseason, they expected him to be the right ship at the quarterback position. It has become the opposite, where he has thrown nine interceptions through five games and is off to the worst start of his career. Plus, the defense, which was talent-deficient heading into the season, is starting to look that way on the field.

In this week’s SB Nation Reacts, we ask Raider Nation what their confidence is in the team going forward. The results are in, showing a drastic drop from the previous week. Fans’ confidence dropped from 24% all the way to 6%

The ugly loss to the Colts last week has fans feeling dejected about the team. Pete Carroll must find a way to turn the ship around quickly. With the Raiders facing the struggling Titans football team, it will be a chance for the Raiders to find their footing.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...heir-lowest-confidence-in-the-teams-direction