The Raiders came up short against the Houston Texans — but this loss felt different.

In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down Las Vegas’ close loss to the Texans, focusing on the encouraging signs that may finally point toward real building blocks for the future. From rookie running back Ashton Jeanty's performance to a defense that found ways to challenge C.J. Stroud, Jesse explains what actually worked — and why this game shouldn’t be lumped in with the rest of the season’s blowouts.

The episode also dives into offensive approach, defensive execution, and what this performance means as the Raiders inch closer to the draft. Jesse discusses where the roster still falls short, why improvement up front remains critical, and how prospects like Dante Moore could factor into the team’s long-term plans.

If you’re looking for clear-eyed analysis, not empty optimism — and want to understand what the Raiders can actually build on — this postgame reaction is for you.

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Former Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison joins Jesse Merrick for a deep dive into the Raiders’ young talent.

With the season winding down and the focus shifting toward the future, Kirk breaks down what the film really shows from the Raiders’ young defenders, including Darien Porter, Tonka Hemingway, JJ Pegues, and Tommy Eichenberg, and where things have come up short for Malcolm Koonce.

We also dive into the offensive side of the ball, where Kirk offers insight into why the rookie receivers haven’t clicked yet — and what needs to change for this offense to take a step forward.

Plus, Kirk shares his thoughts on the quarterbacks at the top of the upcoming draft, including whether he prefers Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore, and what the Raiders should prioritize as they kickstart a true rebuild.

To wrap it up, Matt Perrault returns for Raiders Rounders, breaking down the latest betting angles and storylines heading into the weekend.

If you’re looking for a real evaluation of the Raiders’ young core — and an honest conversation about where this rebuild goes next — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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The Raiders are at a crossroads — and instead of guessing, it’s time to study teams that actually rebuilt the right way.

On today’s episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by former Texans defensive lineman Seth Payne, now of Sports Radio 610 in Houston, to break down how the Texans went from bottom feeders to contenders — and why their blueprint matters for Las Vegas.

We dive into:

• How Houston built around C.J. Stroud
• Why DeMeco Ryans’ defensive-minded approach worked
• What the Texans did differently during their rebuild
• Why defensive head coaches can succeed in today’s NFL
• One offensive-minded coaching candidate Raiders fans should watch
• How this rebuild compares to where the Raiders are right now
• A brief preview of Raiders vs. Texans this weekend

This isn’t about hype — it’s about process, patience, and building the right foundation.

If you’re serious about what the Raiders need to do next, this episode is required watching.

👇 Drop your answer in the comments:

If the Raiders could copy ONE team’s rebuild, who should it be?

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The Raiders were shut out 31–0 by the Philadelphia Eagles — and this loss made one thing painfully clear.

In this postgame reaction episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down the one non-negotiable step the Raiders must take to finally start a real rebuild, and why the Eagles may have already shown the blueprint Vegas needs to follow.

Jesse also dives into:

• Kenny Pickett’s first start with the Raiders — and why he had no real chance in this game

• What went wrong immediately after the opening kick

• Rookie evaluations, including Caleb Rogers and Darien Porter

• What this shutout tells us about the current roster, coaching, and direction

• Why short-term fixes won’t work anymore — and what must come next

This wasn’t just another loss. It was confirmation.

If you’re a Raiders fan looking for honest postgame analysis, clear rebuild logic, and real answers, this episode is for you.

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The Raiders head into Week 15 with Kenny Pickett set to start — and his first start with the Silver and Black just happens to be against his old team: the Philadelphia Eagles. Is this a Kenny Pickett revenge game in the making? Jesse Merrick and Matt Perrault break down everything you need to know heading into Raiders–Eagles, including how Las Vegas can keep pace with an Eagles team desperate for a get-right performance.

We also dive into the biggest storylines from Week 15 across the NFL — quarterback play, controversial coaching decisions, gambling angles, and what Pickett brings to the Raiders’ offense right now.

Plus: Matt Perrault’s Week 15 Best Bets, and where the real value is heading into the weekend.

In this episode:

• Kenny Pickett’s fit in the Raiders offense

• What Las Vegas must do to avoid an early snowball

• Week 15 NFL insights + QB breakdowns

• The latest on the Raiders’ issues

• Matt Perrault’s BEST BETS for Week 15

• Full Raiders vs. Eagles preview & predictions

If you want the most honest, informed breakdown of Raiders–Eagles, plus sharp betting analysis, this is the episode you need.

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Former Raiders receiver Ryan Hoag joins Jesse Merrick for a deep dive into the Raiders’ rookie class — and he doesn’t hold back.

After Las Vegas gave extended snaps to several young players against Denver, Ryan breaks down the film and shares what it really shows about:

• Jack Bech’s development and where he's stalling

• Dont’e Thornton’s long-term outlook as an NFL receiver

• Darien Porter’s best emerging traits

• Why the Raiders’ offensive identity remains unsettled

• How Vegas should approach rebuilding the offense — especially through the draft

Ryan also drops two bold takes Raider Nation won’t want to miss.

Then Jesse is joined by Jason Dumas, longtime Bay Area Raiders reporter and current ABC Philadelphia sports anchor, to preview this week’s game against the Eagles. Jason shares behind-the-scenes stories from his Raiders beat days and explains what’s gone wrong in Philly — and how Vegas can take advantage.

If you want an honest look at the Raiders’ rookies, their development, and what this offense needs to become, this is the episode for you.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:22 Ryan Hoag Interview

42:10 Eagles Preview w/ Jason Dumas

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The Raiders fell to 2–11 after a tough loss to the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium — and now sit with the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft. In today’s postgame reaction, Jesse Merrick breaks down everything we learned about the present and future of the Silver & Black.

We cover:

• Why the offense stalled after the opening drive
• Kenny Pickett’s performance after Geno Smith went down
• Caleb Rogers’ first full game at right guard — and what he put on tape
• Why Alex Cappa started at center over a healthy Jordan Meredith
• Jack Bech’s most productive outing of the season
• The defensive breakdowns that let Bo Nix and Denver control the game
• Darien Porter’s role moving forward

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The Raiders can’t afford another stopgap quarterback — and today, we’re breaking down every real option for the future. Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus joins Jesse Merrick for a deep dive into the 2025 quarterback class and which prospect is the best long-term fit for the Silver & Black.

We cover:

- The strengths, weaknesses, and ceilings of the top QB prospects

- Which quarterbacks fit the Raiders’ scheme, roster, and timeline

- How Vegas should approach the draft as a whole — trade up, stay put, or reset completely

- What it will take to build around a rookie QB the right way

- And yes… we still break down this week’s matchup with the Denver Broncos

Plus, Matt Perrault returns for Raiders Rounders, giving you the best props and betting angles heading into Sunday.

If you want clarity on the Raiders’ future — and who could be the next face of the franchise — this is the episode you need.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 INTRO

02:15 WHO SHOULD THE RAIDERS DRAFT W/ PFF'S DALTON WASSERMAN

13:45 BRONCOS PREVIEW W/ PFF'S DALTON WASSERMAN

21:20 RAIDERS ROUNDERS W/ MATT PERRAULT

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The Raiders are officially in rebuild territory — so this week, Jesse Merrick brings on Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters.com, one of the best defensive minds in football, to break down how the Raiders can actually fix this roster.

Cody gives an AFC West insider perspective on everything:

• Whether the reports about Pete Carroll forcing a Shane Waldron-style offense on Chip Kelly are true

• How involved Pete really is in the defense

• Why the Raiders’ scheme and personnel look so disjointed

• Why the secondary and interior defense have to be completely rebuilt

• How to construct a modern defense around Maxx Crosby

• What the offense must change to regain an identity

We also dive deep into the miscommunication, low blitz rates, coverage breakdowns, and roster flaws that have defined this season — plus why teams like the Browns provide a roadmap the Raiders haven’t followed.

Then we shift into true rebuild mode, as Cody lays out how to turn this roster over, where the Raiders should invest resources, and what a realistic path forward looks like for fans desperate for hope.

And yes — we even look ahead to this weekend’s matchup.

If you want a clear, honest, expert-level breakdown of what’s wrong with the Raiders — and how to fix it — this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

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The Raiders’ loss to the Chargers exposed major issues on both sides of the ball — and in today’s episode, Jesse Merrick breaks down exactly what’s gone wrong. From the chaos along the offensive line to the confusing usage of Caleb Rogers and Antonio Mafi, Jesse dives into how much of the problem is personnel and how much is on the coaching staff.

He also takes a hard look at the defensive struggles that have become a trend this season. What two issues have plagued the Raiders most consistently? And is it time to consider a full overhaul of the coaching staff once the year wraps up?

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