News Raiders Team Notes

[Las Vegas Raiders]

What’s the confidence level in Bo Nix, Denver Broncos heading into playoffs?

The Las Vegas Raiders are set for round two against the Denver Broncos in Week 14. To preview the AFC West matchup, we reached out to our friemies over at Mile High Report, and Ian St. Clair was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Broncos for Raider Nation.

Q: While the Broncos are just a half-game out of the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff picture, they’ve played in a lot of one-score games against several bad teams like the Jets, Giants, Raiders and Commanders. Given that, what’s the fanbase’s confidence level heading into the playoffs? Is the feeling in Denver that this team can win a Super Bowl?

A: The discussion over the one-score games is an interesting one. When it was Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs winning an NFL record one-score games last season, they were the best team in the history of the NFL. When it’s Bo Nix and the Broncos, they’re frauds and it’s not sustainable.

Meanwhile, Denver also curb-stomped the Dallas Cowboys and beat the Houston Texans on the road. But winning these close games in the fashion that they’re doing it, regardless of the opposition, means the Broncos are battle-tested and playoff-ready.

I’d much rather have a team like Denver, as opposed to the Detroit Lions a season ago. The Lions blew everybody out in the regular season, but then they wilted in the playoffs because they had no clue how to win tight games. We can also go back 10 years to Super Bowl 50 and that Broncos team. They didn’t blow everybody out either, but Denver utilized a great defense and its battle-tested experience to win the Super Bowl.

The Broncos made the A block of "First Take" this morning.

When you have me referencing the '86 Giants , you get spoken about in the "league's best" conversation. @Broncos @MileHighReport @DNVR_Broncos pic.twitter.com/jFbvgQDiYu

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) December 3, 2025

Q: On that note, Bo Nix has made a habit of starting slow and then turning it on in the fourth quarter, allowing the Broncos to pull off several comebacks this season. What’s been the difference between his play in the first three quarters versus the final frame?

A: This is the key question for the Broncos right now, and seemingly everyone has a different answer. My tinfoil hat conspiracy theory is that Sean Payton is playing 3D chess with the opposition by presenting the most vanilla and bland offensive game plan he can imagine through the first three quarters. Then, in the fourth quarter, he opens up the offense for Nix. It’s not totally crazy, right?

I think it’s a combination of not playing at up-tempo and lack of execution by the offense. As I’ve said for multiple weeks now, I’d like to see Payton allow Nix to play up-tempo in the first three quarters and let the offense play as it does in the fourth quarter. I also think that limits the thinking involved, not just for Nix and the offense, but also for Payton.

Q: Denver’s running game hasn’t been as productive ever since JK Dobbins suffered a season-ending injury the last time these two teams met. What needs to change, or who needs to step up for the rushing attack to get back on track? Are there other issues at play beyond who is toting the rock?

A: Rookie RJ Harvey has the potential; he just needs to trust himself. The biggest thing I’m seeing is that he hesitates. He’s not decisive on his reads and ends up limiting the yardage he can get. The offensive line is doing its job in consistently creating lanes; Harvey just needs to get the ball and go.

Similar to Nix in the first three quarters, Harvey is overthinking things. The most recent example of this is when Jaleel McLaughlin had success running the ball on Sunday night, but Harvey did not. McLaughlin only had six carries, but he averaged 4.0 yards per carry for 24 yards. Harvey, meanwhile, had 13 carries for 35 yards and just an average of 2.7 yards per carry.

The other issue is that Payton abandons the run too quickly. Stick with it, but also go with the hot hand. I would have liked to see McLaughlin get more carries against the Commanders.

Q: I know Pat Surtain II returned last week, but what did the three games without him tell you about Denver’s defense this season?

A: Here’s my John Madden-esque answer: It tells me the Broncos defense is really freaking good.

To be without the best cornerback in football and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, yet still shut down the Cowboys offense in the second half that he missed and the Texans offense on the road, which couldn’t get into the end zone even when CJ Stroud was still in the game, is impressive.

To circle back to your first question, it also tells me that this defense and team can win the Super Bowl. To play like that without Surtain and not miss a beat is not an easy feat.

Q: I know the Broncos are gearing up for a playoff run, but Raider Nation is already looking at the future. So, can you give us a few key impending free agents that the organization will have to make hard decisions on this offseason? What needs do you anticipate the team having?

A: Broncos ownership, along with general manager George Paton and Payton, have already addressed the major issues with Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, Zack Allen, and Malcom Roach. I’d like to have Denver re-sign John Franklin-Meyers, but I don’t think they will. The main thing to know about the Bronos offseason is they’ll finally be free of the albatross of Russell Wilson’s disastrous contract.

So, Denver will be able to target offensive weapons, receiver, running back, and tight end, for the first time in Nix’s short career. Heck, potentially even consider making a trade for a top-flight receiver, specifically one who currently plays in Minnesota. That could be thinking big, but this ownership group has money, is willing to spend it, and wants to win. But look for the Broncos to address the offensive side of the ball.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...16703/las-vegas-raiders-denver-broncos-bo-nix

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Can Las Vegas Raiders defense limit Denver Broncos again?

The Denver Broncos’ lowest points output this season was a 10-point outing in Week 10 at home.

The opponent? The Las Vegas Raiders.

That game was the Thursday night AFC West clash that ended up 10-7. It was Denver’s seventh-straight win at the time (the team has won nine consecutive games now) and was Las Vegas’ third-straight loss (the team has sustained six consecutive defeats now).

Mother Nature had her say in that Nov. 6 nightcap as temperatures were in the low to mid-30s while wind gusts reached 25 miles per hour before the game. And said gusts didn’t dissipate affecting both team’s aerial attacks. That didn’t stop the Raiders defense from taking advantage though. None more a benefactor than cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly who snared two interceptions that night in early November — the first two of his trio of picks this season.

Kyu Blu x2!

Second INT of the game for Kyu Blu Kelly!

LVvsDEN on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/eZZ3bT0bLa

— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2025

“Yeah, I like Kyu’s play style. I like, I’ve spoken about before, his resiliency. A bunch of teams, in and out of the lineup, stuff like that, but just go play, and then go play and go snatch the ball,” Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said when asked about Kelly during media availability on Thursday. “And then Flo (Brian Flores) used to say it all the time, when you’re down there in the red area, something screwed up happened. So, like, really, now you’re measuring your mental toughness. And so, it would be stop the play on the two-yard line, keep fighting for every blade of grass, and then having interception last week, that was a positive. That was definitely positive.”

Since that game, Kelly snagged a red zone interception in the Raiders’ 31-14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday giving the 24-year-old cornerback the team lead in picks at three.

But plenty has changed between Denver and Las Vegas since their clash earlier this season.

The Raiders played disciplined defense in that Nov. 6 matchup but mistakes — mental lapses, missed tackles, blow coverage, you name it — reared its ugly head the last three weeks. The Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Chargers each racked up yards and points against the Raiders. Dallas churned out 381 yards and 33 points in Week 11, Cleveland 270 and 24 in Week 12, and L.A. 341 and 31 this past week.

The @Raiders were not fooled at all by the trick play

LVvsDEN on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fYKYN6x3pq

— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2025

The Broncos, meanwhile, showed offensive strides in two tough games against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 (22-19 win) and a wire-to-wire 27-26 overtime win this past Sunday night at the Washington Commanders. Denver racked up 342 total yards against the Chiefs and 402 more against the Commanders.

Graham is taking a proper approach of clean slate while combining what worked well in early November against Denver.

“Each week, you start over, but definitely, because it’s such a short period of time since we played them. So, familiarity with the first whatever many games, eight or nine games, and then getting caught up in the last few plus our games,” Graham explained. “So, it helps a little bit, especially when you’re going back on certain situations, like backed up when you’re doing the whole season, red area when you’re doing the whole season. You have some familiarity with this, so you’re not starting over with like 50 plays that you’ve got to look at. So, definitely helps.”

But Graham is well aware his defense will need to force Broncos’ quarterback Bo Nix into mistakes and turnovers this Sunday. Especially how the second-year quarterback has elevated his play in the second half and fourth quarters of ballgames to help Denver to victories.

“Again, just so, so impressed with the process that they’ve used with the quarterback. And again, Coach (Sean) Payton is one of the best in the business, play calling. When you watch the second half of the games, I mean, it’s no different than when you’re going against Andy Reid and those guys, sometimes you’re just trying to get out. You’re like, ‘He’s on my ass right now.’,” Graham noted. “So, I think it’s a combination of the player again but also being led by the coach in terms of the play calling. Some of those fourth quarter play call selections and the dilemmas and the predicaments they place the defense in based on what they’ve seen, he’s one of the best in the business to do it. So, you’ve got to be prepared for that.”

The Denver Broncos just win games…what else do you want?

Bo Nix’s growth at the LOS is a main reason why they have been so good late in games.

This is the best thing I’ve seen this week as far as QB play goes. https://t.co/v0JpLoHdVW pic.twitter.com/fxE84cZGMT

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) December 4, 2025

Quotes of Note​

“Well, this league, bunch of players, they all come in different shapes and sizes. We all know that. But the thing that stands out about him from his tape, and then when you get to meet him; we met him on the I think – I can’t remember if it was the pro day or what have you. He’s very competitive and that stands out, whether it’s something going on in the meeting room, whether it’s out here at practice, and then you saw him in coverage situations in the game. He’s a very competitive football player. And we cherish that trait, cherish that trade.”

—Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham when asked about cornerback Greedy Vance’s size at 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds.

“Well, it always starts with protection first, so big emphasis on the protection part of it, but everyone’s involved in it, like I said last week, whether it’s running better routes, or the quarterback getting the ball out on time, or the running backs making sure they’re involved in their part of the protection or the pass receiving. So, all involved in it, but just always trying to find ways to protect it up first and then get the ball in the hands of your playmakers.”

—Las Vegas Raiders interim offensive coordinator Greg Olson on the team’s struggles on third down offensively.

Head-to-Head​

The Week 14 matchup marks the 133rd meeting between the teams. The Raiders lead the overall series with the Broncos 73-57-2 (72-56-2 in regular season action, 1-1 in postseason play). Denver won the last three meetings with the Thursday night victory the most recent. The last time the Raiders were victorious in the series was back in early January 2024 when the team dropped Denver 27-14. That was the last of eight-straight victories by the Silver & Black.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...as-raiders-defense-limit-denver-broncos-again

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Gap between rest of AFC West and Las Vegas Raiders widens with uncompetitive loss to Denver Broncos

Pete Carroll’s decision to kick a field goal and cover the spread made the Las Vegas Raiders’ 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos look better, but make no mistake about it, Denver dominated the Week 14 matchup.

The Broncos took a 21-7 lead into the fourth quarter before a 19-play, 10:17 field goal drive made it a three-possession contest. The Raiders did manage to save some face by getting 10 points on their final two possessions in garbage time, but they were outgained by nearly 130 yards, and their AFC West rivals had the ball for almost two-thirds of the game: 39:03.

Expectations were low with a 2-10 (now 2-11) squad taking on a 10-2 (now 11-2) team that leads the division and has a shot at the conference’s No. 1 seed. However, Sunday’s performance was another reminder of how far off the Silver and Black are from competing in the division.

Not only are the Raiders currently in last place, but this was their 11th consecutive loss in the AFC West. According to the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow, that’s the current longest active division losing streak in the NFL and the second longest in franchise history.

#Raiders lost their 11th straight game vs AFC West teams, the longest active division losing streak in NFL. Only longer losing streak in AFC West for Raiders was 17 straight from 2004-07

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) December 8, 2025

Las Vegas got swept by Los Angeles, Kansas City and Denver last year, while the Chargers and Broncos have already won both 2025 matchups. So, unless the Raiders can pull off an upset in Week 18 against the Chiefs, they’ll go back-to-back years without winning a game in the division.

On that note, let’s see how the internet is reacting to the team’s 11th loss of the campaign.

Did Carroll have money on the game? Depending on when and where you placed the bet, the spread was in the -7.5 to -8.5 range and the total was about 40.5…

PRISON FOR EVERYBODY!! THAT’S THE BIGGEST RIG JOB IVE EVER SEEN. INVESTIGATE THE NFL. INVESTIGATE PETE CARROLL. IVESTIGATE THE RAIDERS!!! pic.twitter.com/hpEr1JOiqm

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 7, 2025

BAD BEAT OF THE YEAR

The Raiders kicked a field goal as time expired to cut the lead to 7.

The Broncos were 7.5-point favorites and the total was 40.5 pic.twitter.com/owmkF86OAu

— Covers (@Covers) December 8, 2025

Man, I was really worried he was going to miss that FG… #raiders @Raiders pic.twitter.com/Kn4f945Jrn

— James Ramey (@ABNRanger87) December 8, 2025

For a few injury notes, Geno Smith appears to have avoided a serious injury, while it sounds like Kyu Blu Kelly is done for the season.

#Raiders HC Pete Carroll said QB Geno Smith’s right shoulder “locked up” but test didn’t show any damage. Carroll later added that Smith cut his right hand.

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) December 8, 2025

Carroll said Kyu Blu Kelly’s knee injury is serious but didn’t share any more specifics.

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) December 8, 2025

That being said about Geno, Kenny Pickett was the better quarterback on Sunday.

Pete Carroll after a 2-10 season finally realizing Kenny Pickett was a better quarterback than Geno Smith for the Las Vegas Raiders pic.twitter.com/KxNZUv4dGE

— Dead (@Dead197) December 7, 2025

RaiderHaterInstigator
Geno better heal up quick. Pickett may end up ruining our opportunity at the #1 pick.
Gannonman
How do we get Geno off the freakin’ field??!!! I can’t stand looking at him anymore. Has to be the dumbest QB I’ve ever seen and without a doubt, the dumbest Raider QB ever!!! Get him off the field!!! I mean keeping him in keeps us in contention for a top pick to land a good QB, but I can’t stand seeing somebody so freakin’ stupid wearing the silver and black.

Today in Breannan Carroll should be fired…

#Raiders are first team in Super Bowl era with 5 straight games allowing 4+ sacks and rushing for fewer than 75 yards.

(Pete Carroll's son, Brennan, is the offensive line coach and run game coordinator)

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) December 8, 2025

The 48 sacks allowed by #Raiders are their most in 1st 13 games of a season since the Bed and Breakfast offense had 62 in 2006

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) December 7, 2025

The good news is that the Titans won, so the No. 1 pick is a possibility.

Once you take the emotion out of it, today was a very good day for the @Raiders

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) December 7, 2025

Got a few games until we get there, but that #Giants at #Raiders matchup Week 17 likely going to be similar to Jeff Jarrett vs Hollywood Hogan in the WCW days. Lay down/Tank Bowl:#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/2KqZI5r5qm

— Ray Aspuria (@AsukalAspuria) December 7, 2025

Raiders lost while Ashton Jeanty, Jack Bech, Darien Porter, and Caleb Rogers all showed a lot of promise pic.twitter.com/uMy2rNrqUd

— YEYO (@ItsYeyo95) December 8, 2025

The question is, who will coach the top picks?

SnB Stop the Run
Pete Carroll and his staff need to go. I do not want to see Carroll with a 1st round pick and he’s proven to be disastrous with player development. I don’t want to see another draft class wasted.

We didn’t develop the 2024 guys. The 2025 guys have had a lost season. We are on track to get a first round overall pick and the top pick in the subsequent rounds, I do not want Pete coaching those guys.

Let O’Connell serve as the bridge next year. It will be easy to bench him once Mendoza, provided he wants to come here, is ready. Geno Smith will still be seen as the solution if Pete is the HC.

I don’t want this team operating behind Bennan Carroll coached o-line. I don’t want Jeamty’s future put on Brennan Carroll’s hands as the run game coordinator.
raiders.s.america
it is clear, they have to fire every coach and start from 0

What does this post from Tom Brady mean?

tom brady with the most divorced dad insta story of all time pic.twitter.com/0HOAyS8sIG

— big content guy (@bigcontentguy) December 7, 2025

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...s-vegas-raiders-denver-broncos-score-afc-west

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

NFL Week 15 odds have the Las Vegas Raiders as huge underdogs vs the Eagles

The Las Vegas Raiders are now 2-11 and have lost seven in a row. This time it was to the Denver Broncos in a game that ended closer than it was at 24-17

Next week, they are on the road against a struggling Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are hoping to get a bounce-back victory against a Raiders team that is looking at a future with the number one pick in the draft.

Fanduel Sportsbook posted odds for all the games of the 15th week of the season. The Raiders are 12.5-point favorites against the Broncos with an over/under (O/U) of 38.5.

With no teams on a bye in Week 15, there will be plenty of NFL action. The biggest favorites for the upcoming games, according to FanDuel, are the San Francisco 49ers at -13.5 over the Tennessee Titans.

Check out the opening odds below:

Raiders vs.Eagles

Moneyline: Eagles -1100 Raiders +700

Opening point spread: -12.5

Opening point total: 38.5

Check out the latest odds for Week 15 at Fanduel Sports Book

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...vegas-raiders-as-huge-underdogs-vs-the-eagles

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Eagles-Chargers game 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.

Join the conversation!​

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Fewer ads
• Create community posts
• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/game-day-threads/109557/eagles-chargers-game-thread

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Las Vegas Raiders’ offense stalls from start

There has been plenty of problems for the Las Vegas Raiders; offense this season in which Greg Olson has replaced the fired Chip Kelly as the interim offensive coordinator.

The same issues have bothered the Raiders under Olson as well.

They just can’t start games well. That was a problem, once again, for the Raiders Sunday against the Denver Broncos. The Raiders had just 76 yards of total offense in the first half. It was the fourth time in 13 games that Las Vegas was held under 90 yards of offense in the first half

#Raiders were held to fewer than 90 yards in 1st half for 4th time this season. Only Jets have more 1st halve with fewer than 90 yards with 5

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) December 7, 2025

That a huge hole for a offense to dig for themselves and the Raiders can’t stop doing it.

In other Raiders’ news:

QB draft coming up? The Las Vegas Review-Journal looks at the possibility.

Game review: The Raiders’ website wraps up a Week 14 defeat to the Broncos.

All in the family: Bo Jackson’s relative finds the end zone.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...1/las-vegas-raiders-offense-stalls-from-start

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

2026 Las Vegas Raiders Draft Scouting: Caleb Downs

Position: Safety

Height: 6’0

Weight: 205

Stats: 2025 (13 games) – 60 tackles, 5 TFL, sack, 2 INT, 2 PBU | 24/37, 150 yds, 50.5 QBR allowed | 10% missed tackle rate

Class/Age: Junior, 21

Team: Ohio State

#OhioState S Caleb Downs (6-0, 205)

The ultimate equalizer. Can matchup in man and has excellent zone instincts. Plays balanced and violent on arrival. Consistent open field tackler. pic.twitter.com/MG6V9Ka8nJ

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) May 20, 2025

Positives:​

Downs holds a good build and frame for the safety position, with good muscle mass and a strong upper half that allows him to stay physical in both the run and pass game. He pairs this with exceptional instincts and body control. Downs understands the position and offensive tendencies at an elite level consistently seeing the route concepts as they happen while also understanding how to break on the routes consistently. Downs understands positioning and route concepts showing a consistent nature to break off of concepts to others and make a play on the ball downfield or in short area drops. Downs has exceptional football IQ and processing speed consistently gliding around the field and making plays in the run and pass game well before they’re usually diagnosed by other DBs. The junior has elite footspeed, hip flexibility, and overall exceptional movement skills. He understands mirror ability, knows how to utilize leverage and work defenders from the inside or outside hip consistently. Downs tackles well and tackles through the frame consistently driving defenders into the ground and making open field 1-1 tackles at an extremely high level. He uses his strength well throughout run concepts to fight through blocks and lineman to make plays near or behind the LOS along with not getting washed out when playing in the box. Downs has the ability to play a true high safety role along with sliding into a nickel linebacker position, which is where he could be best in the NFL to utilize his traits and best make an impact. Downs instincts showcase pre and post snap consistently calling out coverages, assignments, and making adjustments to the defense where he’s also an innate communicator and high IQ defender consistently understanding concepts, passing receivers off, and understanding the shape of offensive tendencies, formations, and pass fits. The junior shows good strength and physicality to play through the route and consistently knock the ball out in the air or fight receivers in contact during contested catch situations.

Downs also adds some qualities in the return game with 10 punt returns for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns though with his traits as a defender you may want to prevent him from being exposed to additional injury risks as a returner.

Caleb Downs, the number 1 overall player in the draft if the league wants a free Hall of Famer, wrong-arming a pulling Guard in the box and making the tackle. pic.twitter.com/p5M3e0JZXN

— Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) December 7, 2025

Weakness:​

Downs showcases elite instincts and traits as a defender, though he does his best work usually when working in the box which could limit his overall value and positional fits in the NFL. Additionally, despite his elite athletic skills and instincts, Downs has struggled to work to outside zone situations and his sideline to sideline range can appear questionable at times. He plays with an aggressive edge that can cause him to take a poor pursuit angle or over pursue a rushing lane leading to large cut back opportunities for the offense or an abandoned assignment in zone coverage situations. His versatility hasn’t allowed him the opportunity to play as a single high safety and strictly as a nickel linebacker or strong safety role, though with his film at those spots it’s hard to imagine him not translating well to a single high role if needed. Downs will need to slow down as well where he can force himself into drag or ankle tackles given his play speed.

Caleb Downs closing speed is freakish. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/VW1o1oeUyK

— WBG84 (@WBG84) December 6, 2025

Grade: 1.00 – 1st Overall Pick

Pro-Comp: Eric Berry

Caleb Downs is an elite prospect and the biggest knocks come with him being too versatile, playing too aggressive/fast, and positional value. No safety has gone top 12 since 2018 where even then Minkah Fitzpatrick went just 11th overall. Despite this, Caleb Downs projects as a clear cut top 10 selection and should join other Buckeyes Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles in that role. Downs has exceptional instincts, processing ability, tackling, and athletic ability that will translate into a likely multi time All Pro safety with high end ball production. The Raiders have to address a lot of positions this off-season, safety being one of them but the process of taking a runningback, tight end, and safety three straight years with top 10 selections doesn’t bode well for positional value but would bode well for talent to build upon. If the Raiders can’t put themselves in a spot to take a quarterback, or if they miss out on one, taking one of Reese/Downs or another defender would make sense. Caleb Downs is likely to stick in the nickel linebacker role but he’s an exceptional high ceiling, high floor player that can anchor a defensive backend for a decade or more.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-las-vegas-raiders-draft-scouting-caleb-downs

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Las Vegas Raiders add cornerback to replace Kyu Blu Kelly

The Las Vegas Raiders announced a couple of roster transactions on Tuesday, placing cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly on injured reserve and signing cornerback Chigozie Anusiem from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.

#RAIDERS ROSTER MOVES:

– Signed #29 CB Chigozie Anusiem from the Cardinals practice squad

– Placed CB Kyu Blu Kelly on the Reserve/Injured list

— Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) December 9, 2025

Kelly had to be carted off the field last Sunday against the Denver Broncos, suffering a knee injury that has since been reported as a ruptured patella tendon. So, it was expected that he was going to be placed on injured reserve, especially with just four games left on the schedule.

That created an extra roster spot and room to sign Anusiem, an undrafted free agent in 2024 who has spent stints with the Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals. The La Habra, California native began last season on the Commanders’ practice squad before being claimed by and appearing in one game for the Browns. In that contest, he only participated in 13 total snaps (eight on defense, five on special teams) and didn’t record a statistic, per Pro Football Reference.

Anusiem was cut by Cleveland at the end of training camp this summer and has spent the regular season on Arizona’s practice squad until now. The 25-year-old could have a chance to compete for playing time over the next month, since the Raiders have only played three cornerbacks on the outside this season, with Kelly receiving the second-most snaps of the bunch. However, the expectation is that Darien Porter will step into a larger role moving forward. Porter has started five out of the team’s last six games and was rotating with Kelly before the latter’s injury.

Also, second-year pro Decamerion Richardson would presumptively be ahead of Anusiem on the depth chart, though Richardson has yet to record a defensive snap this season. With Greedy Vance getting called up last week, the defense now has six cornerbacks on the active roster: Eric Stokes, Porter, Richardson, Vance, Darnay Holmes and Anusiem.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ter-cornerback-chigozie-anusiem-kyu-blu-kelly

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

What Darien Porter can build on from performance against Denver Broncos

Starting with the Week 14 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Las Vegas Raiders are starting to give their rookies more opportunities to build some momentum heading into next season. Cornerback Darien Porter is one of the most significant 2025 draftees to see the field more often, recording 69 total snaps against the Broncos, and it’s fair to say that he had an up-and-down performance.

According to Pro Football Focus, Porter did miss two tackles and allowed three catches for 34 yards and three first downs. However, he was also targeted six times and came away with a pair of pass breakups to record a 67.4 passer rating when thrown at.

Of course, the numbers only tell part of the story, so let’s flip on the tape and break down a few notable reps, both positive and negative, from the third-round pick to see how he can build off this performance.

Run D, good transition to be in the right spot, gotta make the tackle tho pic.twitter.com/5xxLzkbAc5

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) December 8, 2025

Porter had some issues as a run defender against the Broncos, logging a 40.6 PFF run defense grade. Part of the reason for that low mark is that the play above accounted for one of his two missed tackles.

That being said, there is a positive takeaway from this rep. The rookie has a quick transition from dropping into coverage to getting involved in the run fit and is in a perfect position to make the stop on third and one. However, he doesn’t run his feet on the tackle attempt, leading to the miss and first down for the Broncos.

So, while the result is poor and this goes down as a bad play, the corner at least gets to the right spot to give himself a chance to make the tackle and get the defense off the field. He just needs to finish better.

Decent coverage here, Porter is just late to recognize the back shoulder and can't make a play on the ball pic.twitter.com/gkKDH8qBEX

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) December 8, 2025

Moving on to what the Iowa State product primarily gets paid to do, cover.

About 90 percent of this rep is great. He lines up in soft-shoe press coverage (meaning no jam at the line of scrimmage) and stays in Courtland Sutton’s hip throughout the route. However, Porter is late in recognizing the back-shoulder throw, preventing him from being able to make a play on the ball. As a result, the Broncos’ No. 1 wide receiver comes down with the catch and gets the first down.

Later in the game, Broncos try to hit the back shoulder to Sutton again, but Porter is ready for it and rips hands at the catch point for another PBU. Nice adjustment pic.twitter.com/kQWHWHXWwe

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) December 8, 2025

What’s encouraging, though, is that Porter made an excellent adjustment later in the game.

Denver comes out in a two-by-two set with condensed formation in the boundary (top of the screen), where Sutton lines up inside the numbers and runs a fade route. With Las Vegas in Cover 0, quarterback Bo Nix wants to go back to the well and take advantage of his top target one-on-one with a first-year player, especially since they’ve already connected on a back-shoulder throw against Porter.

However, the cornerback stays in phase and uses his hands at the top of the route so that he can feel his man and look back at the ball, similar to if he’s playing denial defense in basketball. That puts Porter in a position to make a play on the ball, ripping Sutton’s hands at the catch point to get his first PBU of the game.

This is a great example of the third-round pick learning from a previous mistake and making the necessary in-game adjustment to finish the rep with a better result. That’s encouraging for his development moving forward.

Porter's hold against Sutton. Back-and-forth hand fighting and a near push-off from Sutton; should have been a no-call, IMO.
One area of improvement from this game for Porter is being a little stronger at the top of routes pic.twitter.com/mGfDo2MnQQ

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) December 8, 2025

Here, we’ll take a look at the rep where Porter was flagged for defensive holding.

With the Broncos in a three-by-one formation and the Raiders putting the rookie on the short side of the field and running Cover 3, he’s one-on-one and in man coverage against Sutton. Porter does lose at the line of scrimmage a bit, as Sutton uses an outside jab step before releasing inside. But the corner does a good job of flipping his hips to recover and get back in phase.

At the top of the route, the receiver gets physical with a borderline push-off and that’s where the hold comes in, as Porter goes with the “you push, I pull” approach to avoid giving up separation. In my opinion, this is a case of the receiver and cornerback hand-fighting back and forth, where a no-call would be best.

Regardless, Porter does give up the catch, as one area of improvement from this game for him is getting better at holding up against physicality at the top of the route. Even so, he ends up being in a decent spot to make a play on the ball and just loses to one of the best contested catch wideouts in the game.

Similar rep here, gets out-muscled by Sutton on the slant pic.twitter.com/5LfvSXVCV3

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) December 8, 2025

This next play is pretty similar to the last one, only it’s a slant route instead of a curl and an incompletion since the pass was slightly behind Sutton. But this is another example of Porter giving up some separation by getting out-muscled at the top of the route. Granted, Sutton is one of the bigger receivers in the league, listed at 6-foot-4, 218 pounds. Also, it’s not as if Porter is completely out of phase here.

Darien Porter's best rep against the Broncos

-Cover 3, stays deep vs the switch release/curl
-Doesn't bite on the double move from Sutton
-Under cuts the and get the PBU#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/1DKkwdzzp5

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) December 8, 2025

Finally, let’s end with the best rep of the game for Porter, as it combines his football IQ and impressive ball skills.

Denver comes out in a three-by-one formation before motioning a receiver to the other side of the field and into a two-by-two set. Then the two wideouts switch release, where the slot (the receiver in motion) goes outside to run a curl route, and the outside receiver (Sutton) runs an out-and-up route.

That creates some eye candy for the defense, where the hope is that the Cover 3 corner (Porter) gets confused and hesitates or picks up the curl route. However, the rookie stays disciplined, recognizes the play design by keeping his eyes on Sutton and staying on top of the double move. Once the ball is in the air, Porter makes a great play by undercutting the route and getting a hand in the passing lane for his second PBU on the afternoon.

---

It wasn’t a perfect outing for the No. 68 overall pick of the 2025 draft. But he had several encouraging reps, and the majority of his losses can be fixed with minor tweaks to turn them into wins. That’s encouraging for Porter’s development heading into next season and beyond.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-darien-porter-week-14-broncos-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Tyree Wilson play time keeps going down

Here is a look at how the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2023 draft class fared in a 24-17 home loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday and ahead to Week 15’s road game at the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tyree Wilson:

The No. 7 overall draft pick is still seeing his play time decrease. He a season-low 23 percent of the snaps against Denver. He played 31 percent of the snaps at the Chargers the week before. His snap percentage had been in the 30s four of the previous past five games. He did have three pressures on Sunday.

Michael Mayer:

The second-round pick did not play for the second straight game because of an ankle injury he suffered in Week 12. He has missed three games due to injury this season. He has 22 catches for 182 yards. But is on track to potentially play Sunday.

Tre Tucker:

The third-round pick had two catches for 24 yards on five targets, but Geno Smith did miss him a couple of times. .Tucker hasn’t been producing much for a starter even though he plays almost every snap. He has a total of 17 catches for 185 yards in the past six games. Five of those games have been since Jakobi Myers was traded.

Join the conversation!​

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Fewer ads
• Create community posts
• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!

Aidan O’Connell:

The reserve quarterback has been on the 53-man roster for the past three games after recovering from a preseason wrist injury. He has been the emergency quarterback behind Smith and Kenny Pickett.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com.../117030/raiders-tyree-wilson-first-round-pick

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Kenny Pickett takes another step toward starting Sunday

Thursday was not the day for Geno Smith.

Wednesday, Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Smith, the Raiders’ starting quarterback, was “day-to-day” with shoulder and back issues. Thursday, Smith missed practice for a second straight day and it appears even more likely, barring a sudden change, that backup Kenny Pickett will play at the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Smith departed Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter with a right shoulder injury. He also cut his hand in the game. Wednesday, the Raiders added his back to the list of his ailments.

If Pickett does play, he would be making his first start for the Raiders since they traded a fifth-round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for him in August. Pickett is 15-10 as a starter in his career.

Join the conversation!​

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Fewer ads
• Create community posts
• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!

Pickett completed 8 of 11 passes for 7 yards and a touchdown while playing in garbage time Sunday against Denver. Pickett, 27, was the Eagles’ backup during their Super Bowl-winning season last year.

Thursday, star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee, shoulder), linebacker Jamal Adams (knee), Jeremy Chinn (back) and tight end Ian Thomas (calf injury) all returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s session, that he suffered Sunday.

Tight end Michael Mayer (ankle) and wide receiver Dont’e Thornton (concussion) both practiced fully Thursday and are set to return. Mayer missed two games and Thornton missed one.

Running back/returner Raheem Mostert didn’t practice because a knee injury. He practiced Wednesday.

For the Eagles, standouts guard Lane Johnson (foot) and defensive tackle Jalen Carter (shoulder) continued to miss practice and it appears they will likely won’t Sunday.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-injury-geno-smith-kenny-pickett-start-sunday

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders roster 2025: Getting to know Chigozie Anusiem

The Las Vegas Raiders signed cornerback Chigozie Anusiem to their 53-man roster this week.

Let’s take a closer look at Anusiem:

Size:

6-1, 200 pounds.

NFL experience:

Anusiem said signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He didn’t make the roster, but was signed to the practice squad. The Cleveland Browns signed him off the Commanders practice squad in November. He played in one game for the Browns and played eight snaps on defense and five on special teams. The Browns cut him in August. The Arizona Cardinals signed him to the practice squad in August. He remained on it until the Raiders signed him on Tuesday.

College:

He played for California from 2018-21 and for Colorado State in 2022-23.

How he will fit in with Raiders:

Anusiem, 25, will get a look in the final stretch of the season. Expect him to be a deep backup and maybe play some special teams and then be part of the program to try to make the team in 2026.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...55/raiders-roster-chigozie-anusiem-cornerback

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Is Jalen Hurts or Kevin Patullo more to blame for Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive struggles?

The Week 15 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles features a couple of teams who are searching for answers, but in different ways. The Raiders have several problems that won’t be solved until the offseason, while the Eagles are trying to end their offensive woes before a potential playoff run.

To preview the game for Raider Nation, Silver and Black Pride reached out to our friends and Bleeding Green Nation, and Brandon Lee Gowton was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Birds.

Q: What’s going on with the Eagles’ offense this season? Is quarterback Jalen Hurts or offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo more to blame for the unit’s recent struggles?

A: Despite being the most expensive offense in the NFL by a significant margin, the Eagles rank 14th in DVOA, 16th in EPA per play, 21st in offensive points per game, 24th in yards per game, and 26th in success rate. It’s clearly not a very good offense, especially relative to investment.

The Eagles being this bad isn’t just on one person. The quarterback hasn’t been good enough. His surrounding cast hasn’t been good enough. The coaching hasn’t been good enough.

There’s naturally increased attention on Hurts this week since he had five turnovers on Monday night. Make no mistake: he must play better. He’s in a slump right now.

It’s hard to argue that the coaching has done him a lot of favors. I do think the Kevin Patullo hate goes a little overboard because he’s not going into a room and drawing up the entire offense. Nick Sirianni has a lot of say in this offense, as does Hurts. And the play call menu that Patullo is picking from is heavily influenced by them. While Patullo’s sequencing could be better, the play designs aren’t very inspiring.

TL;DR – The offense is a mess and everyone is to blame. There’s a case to be made that the biggest onus is on the quarterback to fix it since he’s being paid over a quarter of a billion dollars to be the rising tide to lift all boats. But the coaching needs to help him more, too.

Q: Based on reports, it seems like wide receiver AJ Brown isn’t happy with his role in the Eagles’ offense. Do you think there is any truth to those rumors? Could Brown be on the trade block this offseason?
A: It’s pretty apparent that Brown is disillusioned with his current situation. He literally went on a streamer’s channel and told people to drop him from their fantasy teams. He’s been demoralized and that much is apparent in his play. He’s largely not playing with energy or confidence.

Things can always change, but Brown remaining in Philly doesn’t seem very tenable right now. He seems pretty miserable.

Q: What is the likelihood that defensive tackle Jalen Carter returns for this game after having shoulder surgery about two weeks ago? If Carter can’t go, which defensive tackles are you expecting to step up and pick up the slack?

A: Carter hasn’t been able to practice this week, so he’s going to be out. His absence is normally a big loss for the Birds, but he hasn’t quite been himself while playing through two shoulder injuries. So, it’s best that he rests up and gets healthy.

The Eagles’ defensive line played well despite missing Carter against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 14. The defense logged seven sacks, seven TFLs, and 11 quarterback hits against a beleaguered Chargers offensive line. My expectation is that they’ll have success against a Raiders offensive line that’s had struggles this year.

Carter’s absence has shifted Moro Ojomo into being the top DT in terms of playing time, but it was Jordan Davis who made the bigger impact in the Eagles’ last game. The Birds are also counting on former Raiders third-round pick Byron Young to be their third defensive tackle, with veteran defensive end Brandon Graham picking up some slack on the interior as the fourth defensive tackle. Rookie Ty Robinson, who’s often been a healthy scratch this season, played sparingly as DT5.

The Eagles might want to take back the Thomas Booker trade if they could. He’d be a nice player to have right now. And Jakorian Bennett has only played 24 defensive snaps this season.

Q: The Raiders have an International Pathway player on the practice squad who a lot of Raider Nation is intrigued by, offensive lineman Laki Tasi. There are some similarities between Tasi and Eagles’ left tackle Jordan Mailata, in that both were rugby players and had never played football before entering the NFL. Can you shine some light on how Mailata developed into an All-Pro to give us a blueprint for Tasi?

A: Mailata’s path definitely seems like the exception more than the norm. But he showed promise from the jump in his first preseason with the Eagles despite never having played football before. Aided by the tutelage of Jeff Stoutland, who is arguably the best offensive line coach in the league, Mailata worked really hard behind the scenes before eventually getting his first real opportunity to play in 2020. That was two years after he was drafted in 2018. So, maybe 2027 is the year for Tasi to finally get his chance?!

I should also note here that Mailata probably benefited from learning under the likes of future Hall of Famers Jason Peters and Lane Johnson.

Q: I know the Eagles are gearing up for a playoff run, but Raider Nation is already looking at the future. So, can you give us a few key impending free agents that the organization will have to make hard decisions on this offseason? What needs do you anticipate the team having?

A: The three biggest ones: starting tight end Dallas Goedert, starting safety Reed Blankenship, and starting edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.

There was talk that the Eagles might move on from Goedert last offseason. But there was never really a good alternative to doing so and clearly didn’t have a robust market, so the two sides agreed to a reworked deal.

I don’t know that the Eagles want to pay Goedert since he’s turning 31 and he’s had trouble staying healthy in the past. I know the Raiders don’t need a tight end with Brock Bowers in the fold, but I could see the Birds have interest in trading for Michael Mayer. I thought Mayer was the perfect target for them had they moved on from Goedert in the offseason.

Blankenship is in an interesting spot because usually the Eagles don’t let core players play out the final year of their contracts. They like to be proactive and try to get (relative) bargains by getting ahead of the market. Blankenship is a good starter and a team captain, as voted on by his teammates. He’s also really close with Cooper DeJean, who has the makings of a long-term fixture in Philly. I think the Eagles might find a way to get a deal done with Blankenship, but they won’t be handing him a blank check. (No pun intended.)

The Eagles traded for Phillips ahead of the NFL trade deadline. There’s a chance he’s just a rental for this team, but I think they’ll want to monitor his market since he could be worth bringing back at the right price. He might be able to fetch more than Philly is willing to pay, but the Eagles might want to make him their top edge rusher because he’s been pretty good thus far.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...phia-eagles-preview-jalen-hurts-kevin-patullo

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Ferocious rush awaits the Las Vegas Raiders

All it takes is one big game to boost a particular statistical category.

In this case: Sacks.

Heading into the Monday night loss at the Los Angeles Chargers, the Philadelphia Eagles trailed the Las Vegas Raiders in total sacks 24 to 26. Then came a seven-sack evening for Philly and now they have 31 total heading into this Sunday’s home date with incoming Las Vegas. The leap in production now puts the Eagles at 16th in terms of total quarterback takedowns while the Raiders are ranked 23rd out of the 32 teams.

While Vic Fangio’s Eagles defense has been lighting up the stat sheet with sacks, it’s a group that creates havoc by pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Philadelphia has 123 pressures, the fifth most in the NFL, according to Pro Football Reference. That mark trails the Dallas Cowboys (163), Seattle Seahawks (159), Denver Broncos (143), Indianapolis Colts (135) and Los Angeles Rams (125). The Raiders, meanwhile, are near the league cellar with just 86 pressures, good for 28th.

Expect the Eagles (8-5 overall, first place in the NFC East) to be salivating over Sunday’s home date with the incoming Raiders (2-11, last place in AFC West) as the Silver & Black are giving up the most sacks this season with 50 heading into Week 15 action. In the last four games, Las Vegas surrendered a whopping 28 sacks with usual starting quarterback Geno Smith sustaining 27 of them (three in Week 14, five Week 14, and a staggering 10 in Week 12). Backup Kenny Pickett, who is in line to start in Philadelphia, was sacked once in relief duty last week.

The Eagle are coming off a disappointing Monday night loss to the Bolts and are likely to take out their frustrations on the worst team in the AFC West. So expect Fangio to activate middle linebacker Nakobe Dean (a sack, two quarterback hits, seven total tackles) on blitzes this Sunday. The 5-foot-11 and 231-pound Georgia product was a menace and had an impressive bulldozing of Chargers’ running back Omarion Hampton en route to a strip sack of quarterback Justin Herbert this past Monday night.

Nakobe Dean is the best blitzing linebackers in the NFL.

– Four sacks in his last five games.
– First Eagle since Haason Reddick in 2022 with multiple strip-sacks in a season.

Pay that man. Absolute menace. 3rd round steal. pic.twitter.com/dVY1jvpGIM

— Real Talk With MJ Podcast (@RealTalkWithMJ1) December 10, 2025

But Dean is one of many defenders who can wreck an offense and the Raiders must be ready to contend with not only the linebacker, but an interior pass rush paced by defensive tackle Jordan Davis, who is tied for the team-lead in sacks at 4.5. Linebacker Jalyx Hunt is right there with 4.5 with Dean following with four. Defensive tackle Moro Ojomo also has four while linebacker Zack Baun has 3.5.

By The Numbers
Pass Rush

• Philadelphia Eagles defense: 31 sacks
  • Sack Leader: Defensive Tackle Jordan Davis, 4.5; Linebacker Jalyx Hunt 4.5
• Las Vegas Raiders defense: 26 sacks
  • Sack Leader: Defensive end Maxx Crosby, 9

Philadelphia’s ability to make a noisy pocket, Raiders interim offensive coordinator Greg Olson knows his quarterback must be able to improvise. And Pickett — who was with the Eagles in 2024 — showcased that ability when Smith left the game with hand and shoulder ailments. And, quite honestly, trotting out an ailing Smith against a salivating pass rush isn’t the best idea.

“Well, really, he’s shown mobility. Even in college, he did a lot of things there with his legs. So, he gives us that part of his game, maybe, not that Geno isn’t mobile, but the ability to escape and run and create and do some of those things,” Olson said when asked what Pickett brings to the table that allows the play caller to do something different. “So, that’s what we saw, obviously, Sunday, and we expect that going forward, and that’s part of his game and part of who he was as a player when he came out of college.”

Sunday’s clash in Philly will test Olson and company thoroughly. The offensive line will be the focal point and the group’s performance (or lack thereof) will dictate the pace. Rookie Caleb Rogers played well against the Denver Broncos and another steady performance is required. Las Vegas needs to get a semblance of a run game going and Olson should have screen passes at the ready to try and quell Fangio’s natural front four pressure and blitzes. Getting rookie running back Ashton Jeanty in space in the air attack has proved quite fruitful for the Raiders when they go that route (259 yards and four touchdowns; 16 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown the last three games).

All of which are much easier said than done.

Don’t see this a lot from the Raiders the past 3 seasons but good stunt pickup by Caleb Rogers on this rep. pic.twitter.com/vMX2VWL5hx

— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) December 8, 2025

Quote of Note​

“Come on. I mean, he had one bad game turning the ball. He’s been protecting the ball pretty well. I think whatever the ratio was before the game, he had 19 touchdowns to two picks, or something like that. I mean, he’s a world champ quarterback. Led his team twice to the Super Bowl. He’s won. He’s been a winner his whole career. So, again, our job is to try to frustrate and make it hard on the quarterback, but at this point, he’s seen a bunch. I was at the Giants when he first got into the league. So, he’s even familiar with stuff I’ve thrown at him in the past. So, the biggest thing is try to make it hard on him. You’re trying to make it be all inclusive, so whether you’re tying in the front disguise, the coverage disguise, you’re trying to force all 11 to be on the same page. That’s really the sign of, when you’re really trying to trick somebody, you kind of force all 11 to be on the same page. So, that’s a key when you get to the passing situations, and then the best thing you could do is minimize the run game, because any good quarterback will tell you a good run game is going to definitely help you in the pass game.”

—Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham when asked about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ surge of turnovers last Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers

Head-to-Head​

Sunday’s matchup marks the 15th meeting between the Raiders and Eagles. The all-time series is tied at seven, apiece (the Silver & Black are 6-7 in regular season play; 1-0 in postseason action). The last time the two teams met was in October of 2021 with Las Vegas rolling to a 33-22 win inside Allegiant Stadium. That was a contest where the Raiders held a commanding 30-7 lead in the third quarter. Before that, however, Philadelphia won back-to-back meetings in 2017 and 2013. The latter matchup being quarterback Nick Foles’ seven touchdowns thrown outing in a 49-20 victory.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...0/ferocious-rush-awaits-the-las-vegas-raiders

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raider Nation’s confidence drops heading into Week 15

The Las Vegas Raiders are 2-11 after seven losses in a row. It has left fans looking to the draft to see if they can add their franchise quarterback of the future.

What was encouraging from the game against the Broncos was the performance of the young players. Caleb Rogers played the whole game and didn’t allow any pressure or two pass deflections from Darien Porter. Tonka Hemingway got his first career sack, and Jack Bech finished with six receptions for 50 yards. It has Raider Nation excited about the draft class after not seeing them produce on the field.

In this week’s SB Nation Reacts, we ask Raider Nation what their confidence is in the team’s direction. Even after the rookies’ performance last Sunday, the Nation lost confidence. There was a drop from 14% to 10% heading into Week 15.

With the Raiders hoping to end their losing streak, they turn to a new quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Pickett will have a chance to get revenge against his former team after being traded to the Browns during the offseason.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...nations-confidence-drops-heading-into-week-15

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Tom Brady believes he could pull off a Phillip Rivers comeback

The Las Vegas Raiders added Tom Brady as a minority owner in 2024 to help bring a winning culture to the franchise. However, the 2-11 start to the 2025 season has been disappointing and could lead to further changes during the offseason.

Brady is 48 and has been retired since 2022. Brady was playing well when he retired, helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make three straight playoff appearances. The former seven-time Super Bowl champion felt like he still had something left in the tank when he left the game.

With Phillip Rivers making his return to the football field at 44, Brady was asked by Colin Cowherd if he could come back and play as well. Brady believed he could make the move, but he couldn’t because he is the minority owner of the Raiders.

“Yes, I certainly could,” Brady said. “I think the answer for me would be yes. I’m not allowed to anymore because I’m a minority owner of the Raiders, so I can’t unretire.”

If Brady did come back, it would probably be for the Silver and Black. It would excite a few fans, but playing a 48-year-old quarterback would not be ideal. It is a good thing it is not possible,

In other Raiders links;

• Jalen Hurts has never beaten the Raiders in his career: Jalen Hurts will attempt to pull off something he hasn’t accomplished yet and beat the Raiders.
• TDL Raiders draft show: The Tape Don’t Lie crew has their latest episode, featuring IOL Vega Ioane and LB Sonny Styles.
• Silver and Black Pride mailbag: Matt Holder answers fans’ questions for the latest Silver and Black Pride mailbag.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...s-he-could-pull-off-a-phillip-rivers-comeback

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders Week 16: Meet the Texans

The Las Vegas Raiders will are preparing to play their final regular-season road game of the year against the Houston Texans on Sunday at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is set at 1:25 p.m. PT.

Let’s take a quick look at the Texans:

Record:

The Texans are 9-5 and have won six games in a row after a 40-20 win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Last meeting:

The Raiders beat the Texans 38-2o on October 22, 2023 at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders haven’t played in Houston since moving to Las Vegas. The Raiders have lost their last two games in Houston dating back to a Wild-Card playoff loss in January, 2017.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...rmation/109593/raiders-week-16-texans-preview

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Las Vegas Raiders historically bad vs. Philadelphia Eagles

On what I imagine was a sunny day on October 22nd, 1961 the Raiders managed a grand total of 58 yards vs the Chargers.

On a cold December 14th, 2025 the Raiders managed 75 yards vs the Eagles, the lowest since 1961 and the 31st lowest in an NFL game ever. They join the October 19th, 2025 Las Vegas Raiders who also lost 31-0 to a defending super bowl team on the road, as just the fourth franchise in history to have a team with two of the top 35 lowest NFL single game yardages in history. They become the first franchise to do this since 2000 which includes two winless teams. The 2025 Raiders have had the 31st and 35th lowest single game yardages in NFL history in one single season, and they’ve done that with the oldest head coach in NFL history. In addition, the Raiders averaged just 1.8 yards per play is the 5th worst single game yards/play since 2010 and the 31st worst in NFL history. The Raiders were also outgained by 312 yards vs the Eagles, the worst of their season and the 46th worst single game. The Raiders are on pace for a -191 point differential this season, which would be the 12th worst since 2000 and 43rd worst single season point differential in NFL history.

Las Vegas' longest play of the game was 11 yards — tied for the shortest longest gain for any team this season (Jets in Week 6 vs Broncos).

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) December 14, 2025

The 2025 Las Vegas Raiders are terrible, historically speaking they have turned in two of the worst 35 performances in NFL history and it very clearly shows on the field. Additionally, the Raiders achieved 7 first downs with the Eagles having 55 yards for every first down the Raiders held and while there is no official statistic to track this, you have to imagine that’s among the worst if not the worst in NFL history.

"When you play the #Raiders it's like putting Neosporin on your cuts to heal."
-Rob Gronkowski on the FOX halftime show.


— Ray Aspuria (@AsukalAspuria) December 14, 2025

The 2024 Raiders do not register in the top 50 for any of these statistics and only the top 75 for one of them (73rd). A fanduel projection model for the 2024 and 2025 Las Vegas would favor the 2024 Raiders by 9.5, the 3rd time they were favored last season would be vs themselves.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...iders-historically-bad-vs-philadelphia-eagles

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

2026 Las Vegas Raiders Draft Scouting: Francis Mauigoa

Position: Offensive Tackle

Height: 6’6

Weight: 315

Stats: 2025 (12 games) – 2 sacks, 3 hits, 9 pressures allowed | 6 penalties | 362 RBLK, 414 PBLK

Class/Age: Junior, 20

Team: Miami (FL)

Positives:​

Mauigoa has an exceptional frame that allows him to hold a ton of muscle and with that play at an exceptional level in terms of his lower body power and core strength. Additionally, Mauigoa also possess good athletic traits showing elite burst off the LOS in the run game, fluid hip and ankle flexibility, and great movement skills at the second level. Mauigoa showcases good control of his body playing through a central rod where he doesn’t lunge at all and consistently keeps his hips and feet aligned in both kicksteps and his run defense preventing himself from over extending and opening his chest too often. He pairs these with the power and violence which outlines his entire blocking tendencies. He has elite hand strength and power at the POA where he is consistently violent and plants his arms into defenders chest while turning the corner and driving through the whistle. In the run game, he consistently plays through the rep and finishes the block downfield. Mauigoa holds good hand skills showing an ability to combat secondary pass rush moves while also understanding how to utilize his power at contact points and play at the second level quickly identifying linebackers and safeties to extend from the second to third level in the run game. He understands really good lower body power being able to anchor vs bull power rushers while also having the strength in the run game to consistently utilize his natural body power and push defenders through the gap into the second level before targeting other defenders. Mauigoa has core fundamentals down as a tackle including his hip mirror ability, quick footwork, the knowledge of leading with the correct step while showing false steps as well. The junior is just 20 years old and has consistently gotten better through his time from his freshman season to pair with his elite motor and strength.

Check out the instincts from RT 61 Francis Mauigoa. He feels the edge slant in to beat the TE & collapse the run play. Instead of climbing to LB 34 he walls off the edge to give the run play a chance. This shows feel for the game & the instincts to make a quality decision quickly pic.twitter.com/nVoUQkQYph

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) November 21, 2025

Weakness:​

Mauigoa is an aggressive physical player but there’s a tendency in his game to be too violent where he’ll get a penalty in the run game from finishing a block late and driving defenders into the ground too aggressively. Additionally, he can become aggressive at the POA in pass protection causing him to reach too soon or expose his hips early where defenders consistently get the ability to lock into his chest with their arms and use his aggressive nature to their advantage. Mauigoa has average length and his arm length could be an issue in the NFL where he does display shorter arms than you’d expect for his size causing a kick to guard potentially to be in play. At just 20 years old, he will be 21 before draft day but Mauigoa needs to become more consistent in his play where he far too often doesn’t get the correct hand placement, plays with high pads, or can decide to rely on his power isntead of utilizing the advanced technique he has in situations. The junior offensive tackle needs to do a better job in the run game sometimes being too aggressive and over pursuing a linebacker which is rare to see in the NFL or college level from an offensive lineman and that can be adjusting with proper coaching.

Francis Mauigoa is a true people mover and has really found his footing at tackle pic.twitter.com/zQ99UC6ARz

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 9, 2025

Grade: 1.61- Mid-Late 1st Round

Pro-Comp: Andrew Thomas (NYG)

Prior to 2025, Mauigoa made the freaks list after logging a 1.57 10 split, 30.5 vert, 18 mph sprint, and logging 10000 watts of power output. Mauigoa is an intriguing prospect, his athletic testing likely won’t fly off the charts but he does have adequate movement off the LOS and good agility in his frame. Despite this, his footspeed could be a question mark which could cause him to be pushed into guard at the NFL level. Regardless of positional fit, it’s hard to see a world where Mauigoa isn’t a decade long starter at G or T or both due to his elite strength, size, and overall advanced technique for his age and experience levels. Mauigoa is going to be a fascinating player this draft cycle, and teams will view him differently based on where they think he can end up. The ceiling of someone such as Penei Sewell does exist with proper coaching. The Raiders have a need at, well, offensive line in general which would allow for Mauigoa to slot in at both G or T depending on the Raiders viewing of his future, and the experience already at RT does help with his stock but at the moment he’s not close to a top five selection.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-vegas-raiders-draft-scouting-francis-mauigoa

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Rookies Darien Porter and Caleb Rogers get reality check in Week 15

Here is a look at how the Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie class fared in a 31-0 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday and ahead to Week 16’s road game at the Houston Texans.

Ashton Jeanty:

The No. 6 overall draft pick played 71 percent of the snaps, his second straight relatively low-snap count game Jeanty continued to have a low-impact on the game. He had 35 yards on nine carries and four catches for seven yards. He is averaging 34.5 yards a game for the past eight games.

Jack Bech:

The second-round pick played 81 percent of the snaps a week after playing a season-high 82 percent of the snaps in a game and he caught all six of his targets for 50 yards. At the Eagles, though, he was targeted just three times and had two catches for 17 yards.

Darien Porter:

The third-round pick played every snap with Kyu Blu Kelly out for the season. A week after having a strong game against the Denver Broncos, Porter struggled at Philadelphia. It was a rough late first quarter and early second quarter for Porter, though. Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith got past Porter on a 44-yard pass from Jalen Hurts to to the Raiders’ 22-yard line. Later, on the same drive, Porter then committed pass interference on third down near the goal line to give Philadelphia a first down. It happens and Porter will learn from the rough outing. Expect him to play a lot in the final three games. It won’t get easier this week as Houston has a strong passing game.

Caleb Rogers:

The third-round pick played the entire game at guard for the second straight game. He played well against the Broncos. That wasn’t the case against the Eagles. He struggled. But like Porter, Rogers will learn from the experience.

Charles Grant:

The offensive lineman, taken in the third round, has been active for nine games because Kolton Miller is out for with a high-ankle sprain. He played five snaps after playing just one snap earlier in the season. He played in a Jumbo offensive line package. While he is a project, he did show some promise in his brief appearance Sunday.

Charles Grant is just dominating Jaelen Phillips on this rep. pic.twitter.com/kWyzj9zUYS

— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) December 15, 2025

Join the conversation!​

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Fewer ads
• Create community posts
• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!

Dont’e Thornton:

The wide receiver, taken in the fourth round, returned after missing the Denver game because of a concussion. But he didn’t do much and played just eight snaps. He wasn’t targeted. He started the season as a big part of the offense, but that has not been the case lately. He needs more looks down the stretch.

Tonka Hemingway:

The fourth-round pick played for the sixth time this season, but his play time decreased. He played just 13 snaps Sunday after playing a combined 62 snaps the past two weeks.

JJ Pegues:

The defensive tackle, taken in the sixth round, played for the sixth time, playing a season high 16 snaps. He didn’t have any tackles.

Cody Lindenberg:

The seventh-round pick played every special team snap for the first time.

Carter Runyan:

The undrafted free agent tight end didn’t play on offense, but played 13 snaps on special teams.

Greedy Vance:

The undrafted free agent was a healthy scratch at the Eagles.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ft/117600/raiders-rookies-draft-class-week-15