A Lot to be Excited about this Week One

Raiders fans have a lot to be excited about with Football back. First, we got a competent linebacker corps. I always have wanted to see Devin White and Germaine Pratt in Silver and Black. Jamal Adams was signed and moved to backer to be a wild card. Vegas finally has guys that are tough, experienced and athletic in the middle of their defense.

Second, Pete Carroll has long been one of my favorite coaches. Maybe, it’s because we share initials. Maybe, it’s because I live just a few miles from where Pete made a name for himself in Los Angeles.

We all wanted to believe the Antonio Pierce hype. However, the Raiders have captured that energy without compromising the discipline it takes to build a championship culture.

All reviews have indicated Pete has this group energized and playing their best ball. Either way, the Raiders finally have a proven leader at the helm.

Sure, we all wanted the Amari Cooper comeback to last longer than a week. Regardless, it’s better Cooper left if he did not fully by into the program. The Raiders actually have some young players ready for ascension. Jack Bech was a guy who rose up draft boards after the Senior Bowl and Dont’e Thornton killed the NFL Combine. Thornton has been picking up lots of hype in fantasy and bettingg circles.

Tre Tucker should benefit from another year under his belt. Brock Bowers took off last year and he should be even better with more weapons around him. Jakobi Meyers captured late season headlines by asking for a new deal or a trade. That seems to have calmed down a bit but it is worth monitoring depending how the season goes. Maybe Cooper saw what was in Vegas and determined there was not a role for him. Geno Smith already has a lot around him.

There’s some questions at offensive line. After a heated camp battle, Jackson Powers-Johnson ends up at right guard and Jordan Meredith ends up at Center. Alex Cappa will come off the bench despite signing a big free agency contract. DJ Glaze beat out Thayer Munford for the right tackle position again. Dylan Parham remains at left guard, although rookie Caleb Rogers could surpass him by the end of the season. This revamped offensive line isn’t the biggest in the league. However, they are physical and quick. Look for the Raiders to really try to spread teams out and gash them with Ashton Jeanty.

Of course, Jeanty is already one of my favorite players thanks to his ties to Boise State. That’s the school where my cousin played and coached at. I’ve enjoyed watching Jeanty on Saturdays and I can’t wait to see him ball out on Sundays. He is a versatile and physical back who should keep us ahead of the chains. The biggest question will be how does his speed translate versus NFL defenses.

In all, the Raiders season really comes down to defending the pass. Most people have been critical of the Raiders’ secondary. They added safeties Jeremy Chinn and Lonnie Johnson. Johnson is hurt but Chinn has a major piece in Washington’s playoff run last year. Vegas also signed Eric Stokes and drafted Darien Porter. Training camp reports loved Chris Smith at safety and Decamaerion Richardson at corner. Vegas felt good enough about the group to trade Bennett. This group won’t scary any one on paper but Carroll knows his DBs.

Upfront, the Raiders let defensive coordinator Patrick Graham bring back his guys. Christian Wilkins is gone after only playing a few games in Silver and Black. We all wanted that to work but the foot just did not get better. It doesn’t help that Wilkins was apparently doing wild things to teammates.

Nonetheless, the Raiders brought back Malcolm Koonce after he missed last season with injury. They also brought back Adam Butler for his second year as a full-time starter. We are all still waiting to see if Tyree Wilson can meet his potential. And they traded Jakorian Bennett for defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV. They still have Max Crosby but the defensive line is really going to determine how well the Raiders finish.

In Week One, Vegas will take on a Patriots team a lot of folks love. People love the Pats’ new head coach Nick Vrabel. He is a defensive guru that brought in former Raiders Robert Spillane and K’Lavon Chaisson.

They re-did their receiver room by signing Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs as well as signing Kyle Williams. They drafted Will Campbell and Jared Wilson to give Drake Maye some added insurance. Running back TreVeyon Henderson has also got hype as a rookie runner. They also added Harold Landry and Carlton Davis to a revamped defense. This is a legit opening week test for the Raiders.

Vegas must stay ahead of the chains against this physical defense. They must make the young offense uncomfortable with varying pass rush looks. If Vegas can create pressure and force some turnovers, they should leave New England with a decisive win. If they let this team get in rhythm, it could be a long day for the Silver and Black.

Whatever happens, the Raiders still got a lot to look forward to this season!

2025 NFL Draft: Why Vegas’ House is Finally Set to Win

Let’s start by saying the Raiders killed free agency. I’m not saying that because they actually signed guys that I wanted, the one year I don’t publish your agency preview. I love the Geno Smith acquisition as the veteran quarterback gives this team a much higher floor. Signing linebacker Devin White was a high upside move. They also added Elandon Roberts who is a decent starting backer. Safety Jeremy Chinn adds athleticism and playoff experience to the backend. Running back Raheem Mostert brings some veteran experience to an uncertain backfield.

I even understand letting Robert Spillane, Trevon Moehrig, Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs walk for more money. Keeping Adam Butler and Malcolm Koonce gives the defense continuity. Exploring trades for Michael Mayer, Kolton Miller and Tyree Wilson proves this group is ready to field the best team possible, no matter the costs.

Under new head coach Pete Carroll, the Raiders roster is entering the draft with a higher level of competition throughout the roster. There are still some glaring team needs that must get fulfilled in this NFL draft. Mainly, this team needs high impact playmaker with athletic traits to stay on the field in the modern NFL

This is exactly why I feel like the Raiders will trade in the draft. Whether they trade up or down, Seattle was always a wildcard in the draft under Carroll. This should be the case for the Silver and Black.

Moreover, it is a good thing that there is no consensus on what the Raiders will do. Some say they will trade up, others say down. Regardless, that speaks to how much stronger this organization is. Nothing but noise is getting out.

As much as you could argue this team still needs a quarterback for the future, I never saw them taking one in the top-10. Carroll never did that in Seattle and our new GM John Spytek comes from an organization that rarely drafted a QB with the Buccaneers.

The rumor mill and Raiders Twitter are obsessed with Michigan DT Mason Graham and BSU RB Ashton Jeanty rumors. You could argue that number six is too high to take a defensive tackle or running back. However, those are both key positions with how this group likes to build their roster. You could also add that both are the rare prospects that offer production and athletic upside.

Defensive back also comes into play if the team loves Michigan corner Will Johnson or somehow Travis Hunter slides down. Yet, Carroll has proven he can develop defensive backs from anywhere in the draft. Johnson is expected to slide to the later rounds despite Charles Woodson hyping him up.

Factor in the trade rumors about the Raiders trading for Jalen Ramsey or Tyreek Hill, and anything is on the board. Vegas could take Tetairoa McMillan or trade back and try to catch him or another receiver.

They could also need a tackle or defensive end if they move Miller or Wilson. Missouri tackle Armand Membou is one guy the Raiders reportedly love for his athleticism. LSU tackle Will Campbell is seen as a can’t miss prospect. Campbell may be gone and Raiders fans have too much PTSD from the team selecting tackles that bust. The same goes for defensive end, although Penn State Edge Abdul Carter is probably too good to pass up.

Either way, this draft is really hard to predict. Some players are going anywhere from top five to top 40 in Mock Drafts. After the top four, this draft is really deep. However, teams are really splitting hairs based off preferences.

Overall, the running back and defensive tack class seems very strong collectively. It seems like you could get a starter in the middle rounds at either of those positions. That’s why the Raiders may take Graham or Jeanty because they are at the top. Or they may just wait for more value later.

All in all, the Raiders could draft every position at some point. They could use a developmental QB even if it comes after the first few rounds. Running back needs to be addresses in the top three rounds and some great talent should slide out the first.

Vegas needs depth along both sides of the trenches and there is a lot of athleticism to develop from this class. Defensive back and corner could use a spark of talent up and down the depth chart. Linebacker seems solid but that could change quick with one injury. And we know the Raiders love TEs. Don’t be surprised if they take one from this loaded class.

Still, Raiders fans should feel better about this draft then any in the past decade. Their leadership has shown the brass and willingness to upgrade the roster via trade, free agency and developing internally.

The Draft will be no different. Vegas has assets they can leverage in trades. Teams are taking them seriously as they have the flexibility to really define how this draft goes.

Fans should walk away happy as long as the Raiders acquire a QB, RB and WR in the top half of the draft as well as some depth across the roster. What’s on your NFL Draft Wish List?

A quick note on winning

A lot of fans are mad at the Raiders for winning last week. I said it before and I’ll say it again, losing does not breed winning.

Getting a high draft pick does not guarantee success. This team has messed up so many draft picks, it is hard to have blind faith. So yes, I’m happy they won last week and I want them to win again this week.

This New Orleans Saints team is down the top receiver running back and they are on their third quarterback. Anything can happen when the Raiders travel across the country.

K’Lavon Chaisson came up with a sack last week. Raiders need that pressure again. They also need Tyree Wilson to flash his first round talent.

Otherwise, the Raiders will try to control this game with their running back and intermediate passes to Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers. If they execute, there is no reason they can’t win. Yes, they should win.

A quick note on beating the Jags

The Raiders got a chance this week. They’re playing the 3-10 Jaguars who are starting a backup QB.

They can’t go to sleep on wide receiver Brian Thomas or tight end Brent Strange. The Raiders will also be without running back Sincere McCormick.

Quarterback Aidan O’Connell is expected be back. He should help the Raiders push the ball down the field. Expect them to force the ball to Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers. Michael Meyer has also been poaching fantasy points.

Ultimately, the Raiders gotta stop the run. Travis Etiene is explosive. Tank Bigsby can be hard to tackle.

Vegas also needs to pressure Mac Jones and force him into mistakes. Alexander Mattison needs to keep them in front of the chains.

The Raiders don’t need to do anything crazy. They just need to stick to the script and will their way to a win at home.

It’s Monday Night: Keys to Beating Atlanta

The Raiders faced the NFC South last week and got dominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There’s not a lot of bright spots from that game. 

Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers did their thing. Michael Mayer was the surprise leader in yards and average per catch. Terrace Marshall even got into the box score. All those guys need to show up this week. 

RB Sincere McCormick has brought a surge to this offense. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry last week and looked better than all the Raiders runners combined. Let’s see what he looks like in a game with 20+ carries. 

Now, the Atlanta Falcons come to town. The Raiders will again be without Aidan O’Connell, despite them playing us with the possibility he could return. Ridder spent the first few years of his career in Atlanta, before they moved on to other options. 

Atlanta has lost four games in a row. They went from looking like a contender to a team that might need a QB change. 

Regardless, the Raiders will be without Maxx Crosby for this week and the rest of the season. It’s time for Tyree Wilson to show some development. He still sometimes looks lost but he has tools and flashes. 

Otherwise, the Raiders kept the game close thanks to some interceptions from Jack Jones and K’Lavon Chaisson. The Raiders also sacked the QB four times. They need all that action again to prevent a blow out at home. 

Further, the Falcons got blown out on the road last week. Before that they failed to score more than 17 points in the three games prior. They’ll look to get back on track with an explosive offense that features TE Kyle Pitts, WR Drake London, WR Darnell Mooney, RB Tyler Allegeier and RB Bijan Robinson. 

The Falcons size and speed out of the backfield means the Raiders tackling ability will again get tested. Mooney has the speed outside to push the Raiders’ secondary, while London has the size to beat all the Raiders corners in contested situations. We know the Raiders can’t cover TEs and Pitts brings x-factor ability no matter how inconsistent he is. 

In the end, Vegas needs to pressure Kirk Cousins into mistakes. They need to stay disciplined against all of Atlanta’s playmakers. They can’t make it easy with penalties and they can’t get down if they give up big plays. Plus, Vegas needs to create some turnovers. 

Offensively, Vegas needs to control the clock at home and protect their mediocre QB play. Expect them to spread the ball around to their various receivers. Ideally, they probably need to hit with a big strike too. Think about hitting Tre Tucker deep, again, like a few weeks ago. 

Some folks might think what do the Raiders have to play for? They’re eliminated in the playoffs should and the draft should be the focus. They’re not wrong, but you don’t want to build a culture around losing. The Raiders need to evaluate every player’s roster position, that includes the coach. It’s hard to see a world where head coach Antonio Pierce continues after a winless division record. However, he can get these guys right for the next coach and show some promise for his next gig. 

Either way, it’s Monday Night and nobody wants to see the Silver and Black embarrassed in Atlanta. 

How the Raiders can have Better Luck in Florida

The Raiders pissed down their own leg on Black Friday. They literally fumbled the bag on the last play of what should have been an upset win. Instead, they went home with buyers’ remorse.

Antonio Pierce might have been right when he said this team is allergic to winning. Unfortunately, that might not save his job. At the very least, the team showed up and competed on the special edition broadcast.

Vegas finally cracked 100 rushing yards. They honestly should have given the ball to Sincere McCormick more. Aidan O’Connell threw two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Tre Tucker made a big deep catch. Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers were consistent. Meyers flirted with 100 receiving yards while Bowers racked up 10 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. This felt llike the first time the Raiders offense showed life in weeks. Yet, they left too many points on the board. Chris Jones’ two sacks were also a huge difference-maker.

Defensively, the four sacks were crucial. Mahomes only threw one TD and registered 20 incompletions. No player caught more than 100 receiving yards. Kansas City did not have a hundred-yard rusher. You can’t ask for a better game from the Raiders. They kept the offense off the field. K’Lavon Chaisson resurged with 1.5 sacks. Let’s see if he can help them again versus better tackles this week.

The Raiders don’t need any moral victories or help securing a draft pick. They need to reverse their losing culture.

Now, they travel to the East Coast. Tampa Bay features a top-ten passing and rushing offense. Running back Rachaad White and tight end Cade Otton offer tough match ups the Raiders coverage. Mike Evans is a living legend at receiver, Baker Mayfield has played hero versus us before and receiver Jalen McMillan had had flashes. This game could get ugly fast, especially if the Raiders come out flat. You remember the stinker they played versus the Dolphins the last time they went to Florida.

Linebacker Yaya Diaby, DB Antoine Winfield Jr. and defensive lineman Vita Vea give the Buccaneers a playmaker at each level of the defense. The Raiders offensive line had one of its best week, minus the last offensive play. Hopefully, they can carry that momentum.

The game plan should remain the same. Vegas needs to convert some big plays in the air. The Raiders need to control the clock with their running game. Ride Sincere and Abdullah. Some more help from special teams, again, would be be great. Keeping Baker Mayfield uncomfortable and forcing him into turnovers helps too.

Even if the Raiders should play for a draft pick, Raiders fans deserve a victory Monday. No let downs or blow outs this week. Execution is key for the Raiders to compete today.

Leave it all out there versus the Chiefs

There is not a lot to be grateful for this year as a Raiders fan. The Raiders came out and competed last week. They still came up short versus the Broncos. They lost their QB and their biggest plays came on special teams.

Regardless, they have nothing to lose this week versus the Chiefs. It is the best team versus the worst team. Aiden O’Connell is back.

I promise you, Antonio Pierce won’t keep his job if he goes winless in the AFC West. He has two more division games left and this one is on the road.

The Raiders need to pull out every trick play. They need some turnovers and bounces to go their way. We know they are going to force the ball to Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers. They need to find ways to run the ball and control the clock.

Vegas beat this team in Kansas City last year. That was a fifferent team no matter how much broadcast brings it up. They need to leave it out on the field to do it this year.

Don’t let Denver beat you again

The Raiders got ran last week. They looked overmatched versus a desperate Dolphins team.

Now, they’re playing a Denver team that beat them this season. It was the first time the Raiders lost to the Broncos in years.

Denver starts a rookie quarterback. Their run game has been up and down. This defense is super stout despite the lack of big names.

The Raiders have a winnable game in front of them. Some folks may want them to lose to move up in the NFL Draft order. Personally, I am tired of losing. I don’t want to give a win to a division foe. Don’t forget this Broncos team was as bad as we were last season. Some how they have once again flipped the script. They leaped frog us in the rebuild and the standings.

At this point, it is about playing for some pride. Again, we want to see the team respond under Antonio Pierce. We want to see a spark on offense and effort on defense. They need to establish some sort of identity.

Run the ball, rush the QB, create some turnovers and don’t settle for field goals. That’s all I got.

The Raiders are once again looking for a rebound win. This time they need to beat a Miami Dolphins team that is on the upswing. The Dolphins dominated Los Angeles last week, even more than the score indicated. Miami looks like a different team with Tua back at QB.

The Dolphins RB duo of Devon Achane and Raheem Mostert is among the most balanced in the league. Both are capable of big slashes and dashes in the run game. Las Vegas must step up in coverage, particularly when Achane is a receiver put of the backfield.

Moreover, Tyrek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are explosive on the outside. Rookie Malik Washington has had flashes. Odell is there as a veteran. The Raiders secondary has stepped up this season but this will be one of their bigger tests.

The Raiders secondary is going to have to make a play to counter Miami’s defense. Trevon Moehrig is having his best season. Hopefully, he can net another pick this week and not get beat deep. Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo need to stay discipline. This is the week where they can get trashed by screens and drags. All that starts with getting home to Tuaand making him uncomfortable.

Still, it doesn’t help that the Raiders are on the road. You never know how they will play when they travel to the East Coast.

Either way, the Raiders are healthy defensively. Maxx Crosby needs to bring his usual disruption. We also need to look at Tyree Wilson to develop a more consistent pass rush plan out of the bye. He has some tools but he is still very hot and cold. Veterans John Jenkins and Adam Butler need to set the tempo by being stout versus the run early.

Offensively, we know the Raiders want to get the ball to Brock Bowers. Miami brings one of the better safety duos with Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer. On the outside, Jakobi Meyers draws Jalen Ramsey. Vegas is going to have to find creative ways to get the ball to Meyers via trick plays.

Otherwise, we have all been waiting for this running attack to show some life. They will be without their starting center Andre James. However, Jackson Powers-Johnson can bring them an extra surge at the point of attack from the center position. This offensive line will get tested. Calais Campbell keeps defying time. He is stout against the run especially. Veteran DE Emmanuel Ogbah has also looked good in spots.

Miami also has Anthony Walker and Jordyn Brooks. Both get to the ball. They are more limited in coverage but have tools to cover the reserve TEs.

In the end, it seems corny to say Antonio Pierce is coaching for his job every week. The truth is, his fate may be inevitable. Every bad loss inches him closer to getting fired while each win atleast keeps him in the middle ground for a bit longer. It’s a tough position to be in given that the Raiders need a lot of help in the upcoming NFL Draft. Winning only lowers their chances at landing a future QB.

Nonetheless, we heard the rumblings about a team only meeting. Let’s see the fruits of that labor with a hard fought performance. The last thing Pierce or any Raiders fan wants to see, is a team come out slow on the road after a buy. If they still struggle to drive down the field after making many changes on offense, Pierce could easily lose the lockerroom and front office.

All that aside, the Raiders need to show some kind of identity. Ideally, we want them to runthe ball, push the ball down the field, create turnovers and get sacks. If they do that, they can spark a run over the rest of the season. However, we have yet to see Vegas do any of those four things consistently all season. Let’s just hope they left that all behind them in the Bye Week.

How to beat the Bengals

The Raiders lost another close game that could have easily been much worse. Yes, they picked off Pat Mahomes but there wasn’t much else for good news.

Still, it was great to see the Raiders play with pride after a tough loss the week prior. It seems like the locker room is still responding to head coach Antonio Pierce. Of course, that could easily change if they don’t generat offense soon.

Vegas failed to establish the tun. Neither Zamir White nor Alexander Mattison could average more than a yard per carry. Vegas did get the ball to Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers. Both caught more than 5 catches.

Vegas will start rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson at center this week since Andre James is out. He should add some surge at the point of attack for the run game. Dylan Parham is questionable to play. That could hamper the running game more.

The Raiders also gave up five sacks last week. They can’t do that this week versus the Bengals. Cincinnati is among the league’s worst at sacking the QB. Kansas City was in a similar spot before breaking out versus the Raiders last week. This Bengals veteran defensive line is quick and stout.

Vegas’ offensive line and running game needs to perform better if they want to control games. Cincinnati is desperate to string together wins. Otherwise, they will fall too far behind the pack in the AFC North.

Luckily, Bengals receiver Tee Higgins will be out with injury. The Bengals have not been great on the run either. Their defense has also taken a step back.

Regardless, Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase has the size and speed to give the Raiders problems all day. Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow is a threat over the top and he is sneaky with his rushing ability. We know the Raiders can’t cover tight ends and Bengals TE Mike Gesicki is a sleeper.

Raiders edge Tyree Wilson finally got into the sack column last week. Wilson needs to keep developing. Maxx Crosby will be back this week. They will have their work cutout versus a mobile Burrow and an improved offensive line. Cincinnati is in the middle of the pack for sacks allowed. The Bengals will be down starter Orlando Brown at left tackle. Their right tackle is also a rookie.

In the end, the Raiders need to get after the quarterback, limit big plays in the pass game and stay disciple against the run. Last week, a turnover kept them in the game. They can do it again this week.

Offensively, it would be great for the Raiders to get the running game going. We would all love a pass play for more than ten yards too. I am not sure if this offense is capable of either, but they need to show some progress soon. It would not surprise me if they move on from OC Luke Getsy if the offense struggles. The Raiders need to show some offensive progress headed into the Bye Week.

The Raiders could play the Bengals tight as they did the Chiefs and Rams. They could suffer a let down like they did versus the Broncos and Panthers. We won’t know, especially in an early game outside.

Vegas could be only a few big plays from losing bad. They could also dominate a team that is struggling across the board.

Again, the Raiders need to play their brand of football. Run the ball, push the ball down the field, take advantage of turnovers and don’t allow any big plays. Let’s just stop the bleeding and get a win.