Tag: Trayvon Mullen

Silver and Black Take SoFi Part Two: Preseason lessons and keys for beating the Bolts

The Vegas Raiders enter the 2022 season in a unique position. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2016, despite firing their head coach midseason.

Vegas starts this season with a new head coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler. Both are cut from the New England Patriots.

McDaniels’ first stint as a head coach in Denver was filled with mix results. Now, he’s tasked with helping this team not take steps back in the league’s toughest division.

They kept the continuity at quarterback by bringing back Derek Carr. The Silver and Black also acquired the best receiver in the game by trading draft picks for DeVante Adams.

Adams and Carr have a historic connection dating back to their days in Fresno. Ironically, they last played together in the Vegas Bowl before entering the draft.

The Silver and Black also re-tooled some of their defense. Raider Nation felt blessed just having a defense that was in the middle of the pack last year. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is suppossed to help them get to the next level with more disguises and different looks. Right now, the defense appears on track with a mix of improved athletes and veterans who kmowcthe scheme.

Can you believe Week One is here already? Training camp is over and the 53-man rosters are complete. The NFL inserted a weird defacto by week for the first time. They cut the fourth week of the preseason after extending the regular season last year. Here is what we learned from this preseason and keys to beating the Chargers in Week One.

What happened to Alex Leatherwood?

Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood flamed out about as fast as possible for a first round pick. Leatherwood was seen as a first rounder due to his physicality and winning-pedigree from Alabama. He played across the line. Many thought he would need some time to develop into a great pass blocker.

The biggest issues were his hand timing and placement. We saw much of that in the preseason and last year. While he looks the part due to his feet and athleticism, he lacks solid strength and explosiveness at the point of the attack to dominate at any positon on the o-line.

Still, it seems at least on the outside that Leatherwood had tools you can buid around. Whatever blockers and issues he dealt with, the Raiders deemed them not worth keeping him around.

They also sent a message to the rest of the roster. Raiders fans know too well that nobody is safe, especially after a regime change. The preseason confirmed a lot about Leatherwood’s flaws but it remains to be seen if it was worth giving up on the 2021 first rounder entirely. He was adequate at guard last season.

Moving forward with tackle Jermaine Eluemunor

Jermaine Eluemonor won’t blow you away with his measurables or NFL resume. However, he knows this scheme and can play across the offensive line. Eluemunor flashed the physicality, balance and athleticism to be a solid starting tackle. He has gotten better since he entered the league. The question is can he maintain that for an entire season regardless who he lines up against. Can he anchor the strong side of a playoff-contending team?

Well he isn’t the same kind of athlete as Raiders right tackles from the past, Eluemunor does bring more balance, hustle and toughness than Brandon Parker or Leatherwood. He will get tested early by a dynamic Chargers pass rush. A good showing versus Los Angeles might give him the confidence to play any other dynamic rush duo.

Personally, I’d still like to see the Raiders add a versatile veteran o-line player like Eric Fisher, Ereck Flowers or Daryl Williams. They might be one injury away from having to make that move. Their backup offensive line has less than a handful of starts combined. To be determined if the Raiders make a move to boister their oline but they do lead the league in cap space.

Saying goodbye to Trayvon Mullen

Speaking of Raiders gone, Vegas shipped out starting corner Trayvon Mullen. The move wasn’t surprising given he needed a new contract soon. Mullen was by far the best corner in years but he battled injuries. The new regime already traded for Rock Ya-Sin and signed Anthony Averett. Mullen was a luxury. In Arizona, he is already expected to miss some time.

The biggest issue with Mullen gettjng traded is the value. There were rumors he could have netted a mid-round pick at the draft. Jaelon Raegor was traded for a higher draft pick despite far less NFL success.

Either way, Mullen’s time with the Raiders was one of the few highlights from the Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock era. Wish him the best and hope he gets healthy.

The Preseason taught us…

The biggest consistent lesson this postseason taught us is that the Raiders finally have some depth and swagger to them. Many key players sat out this preseason but other players stepped up on both sides.

There were many times the Raiders were overmatched with backups versus more experienced players this preseason. The young guys did not back down. They got to the football and made plays.

It makes you confident in the leadeeship and direction of the football team. Like they say you are only as good as your weakest links and the Raiders found some young players who helped them make some tough decisions. That said the team roster looks a lot younger than I would have expected for a playoff contender.

Still, SB Nation put out a poll that said something like more than 90 percent of Raiders fans are confident in the team’s direction. Kudos to this new regime because Raiders fans can hardly agree on anything. Yet, it is exciting to see how hard the roster played throughout the preseason. That sets the foundation for more winning when the games count. They also have the draft picks and cap flexibility to sign a key veteran or make a trade to make their roster even stronger.

Another homecoming

Last year, the Raiders’ Los Angeles homecoming was spoiled by a thundery Monday Night. The game was delayed and Vegas’ offense was sluggish. They fought back from a several-score defeceit in the first half but lost in their SoFidebut. SoFi was clearly dominated by Raiders fans, at least from what I can remember.

Now, it’s a regular 1 pm kickoff. The Raiders should be welcomed to LA by the tail end of our heatwave. However, even the hottest days in Los Angeles peril to a normal summer day in Vegas.

The point is, the Silver and Black must do right by winning in L.A. this time. Remind the city what NFL team won a lombardi for them first.

Not the same Chargers

If you read my writing, often times my keys start upfront. This time it is especially true. We know the chaos Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa each bring individually, well. However, can that mesh together?

There’s no reason to believe Mack and Bosa can’t dominate together, especially with the Raiders inexperience upfront. Overall, this is a very talented Chargers team that nearly beat the Raiders for the final playoff spot.

Los Angeles brings their own question marks upfront, particularly on the ride side of the offensive line. Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones make their debut versus an offensive line that features different starts than last year. Rashawn Slater and Corey Linsley are the only proven commodities. Vegas’ pass rush is critcal to containing an explosive Chargers offense led by QB Justin Herbert.

This Raiders secondary faces a true test out the gate. The Chargers also have their own Pro Bowl runner Austin Ekeler, who is among the most versatile in the game. We know how dynamic receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen can be. Both have great catch radius. Williams is the physical and contested receiver to complement One of the best route runners, Keenan Allen. TE Gerald Everett is the x-factor given his athleticism. Everyone has got to be discipline if the Raidees hope to keep up with the Chargers.

Justin Herbert fears no one and this team is looking to redeem itself. Vegas eliminated rhe Chargers from a playoff spot in the final regular season game in 2021.

Raiders keys to beating the Chargers

The Raiders must absolutely rush Justin Herbert. It’s a careful balance from keeping him comfortable but not losing contain. He can scramble and improvise not unlike Pat Mahomes with the Chiefs.

This Chargers offense is too talented. Vegas should be expected to bend but the Raiders will need to find ways to balance that by creating turnovers. The Raiders are playing on the road but a turnover could easily drown out any Chargers excitement early.

Vegas must find their own rythm by establishing the run early and often. That helps neutralizes the pass rush. Plus, the Raiders carry all those backs on their roster for a reason.

Of course, Vegas is also going to have to convert some shots. Getting the run game going creates more play action opportunities. Derek Carr has too many weapons this year to not be a serious contender for MVP. We know he loves Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow in crucial scenarios. Now, he adds Devante Adams who blends what both of those guys do well.

If the Raiders can execute on the fundamentals, they can walk away with a signature division win. They can keep that rolling into the home opener versus the Cardinals. Vegas plays another playoff contender in the Tennessee Titans after Arizona.

A win in Week One prevents what could be a tough start to the Josh McDaniels era. It builds needed momentum for a team that plays in a strong division.

That’s why all eyes will be on the Raiders in Week One. How do they build off last year’s success with new leadership? Will this offense get led by the running game or the dynamic pass catchers? What is the 2022 Raiders’ identity.

All this and more on this week’s NFL Week One! Just win baby!

Keys For Battling The Mack Attack And More From A Weird Week For Raider Nation

Forget about the Raiders and Chargers on Monday Night. It is not worth remembering the poor line play, ineffective running game and our QB falling into old ways.

Vegas got 21-0 skunked in the first half after the lightning delay. They came out and made plays but they never really got the offense rolling on full cylinders. Former Raiders TE Jared Cook also cooked em. One more reminder the Raiders have a long history of not covering tight ends. 

Truth be told, I won’t remember much about the game thanks to the food poisoning I got from that SoFi hotdog. What I will remember is all the Silver and Black surrounding the stadium in rain and shine. I will remember Hunter Renfrow looking like a safety making a play on fourth down. There were also notable highlights from Henry Ruggs, Darren Waller and Derek Carr. 

Still, the defense was not horrible. They kept getting in bad spots thanks to poor offense. Their secondary was also banged up. The offense took too long to wake up and they did not capitalize on a few big plays.

Either way, the Raiders find themselves looking up to the first place Chargers. The Raiders, Chargers and Broncos are all tied for the division’s lead now. It’s early in Justin Herbert’s career but it feels like he already has our number. It is his second time beating us in his young career.

More Chaos From The Week

Our week got even weirder as Mercury continued in retrograde. First, it was Derek Carr talking about Joey Bosa’s reaction to the win. Carr felt disrespected by Bosa saying he falters under pressure and after big hits. Carr said he did not know why he said that?

C’mon Derek, you don’t know why he said that? Bosa has played and studied Carr as much as anyone as they are only a season apart and played their careers in the AFC West. Carr’s whining just made him sound weak after he got outplayed by a second year QB. It wasn’t all Carr’s fault but he did not sound like a competitor with the Mamba Mentality. There was no need for him to even respond.  

Then, the week got even weirder as the NFLPA director tried to get elected for another term. A report leaked Jon Gruden using a racial trope when describing NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith in 2011. 

Obviously, it is not a good look for the Raiders who have always stood for diversity and inclusion. However, let’s not act surprised.  Our bosses probably say the same shit in their emails. What he said was stupid and offensive but firing someone for an email sent a decade ago sets a bad precedent. 

Regardless, the Raiders shouldn’t get punished because Gruden was not even with the organization at the time. To be determined if anything bad happens.

Moving Onto the Bears This Week

Moving forward, the Raiders face a familiar face with Khalil Mack coming to town. Good teams find ways to bounce back after disappointing losses.

Mack comes into the game with four sacks for the season and he could double that if the Raiders offensive line does not improve from last week. Robert Quinn is also having a renaissance season with 4.5 sacks this year. That’s already more than double his sack total from last year. He is a big part this team leads the league in sacks.

On the other hand, the Bears will be down defensive tackle Akiem Hicks. Hicks really disrupts the middle of the offensive line which makes it easier for the edges and linebackers to make plays. The Raiders will happily take all the help they can get after their front five looked terrible last week. Linebacker Roquan Smith will still be roaming the middle. 

This Bears defense has played together for a while but they are not dominating like before partly due to bad spots caused by poor offense. 

Rookie QB Justin Fields turned in his best game in his second start. However, he has thrown two interceptions and only completed 49 percent of his passes across his two starts and four times playing. The only time he found the end zone was by rushing in Week One. The Bears should intro more QB running with Fields as the full-time starter and the Raiders aggressive defensive line. Fields also brings arm strength to stretch the field which is something the team missed with Andy Dalton. Allen Robinson, Marquise Goodwin and Darnell Mooney offer big play threats. Jimmy Graham could also have an awakening much like Mike G. and Jared Cook found ways to carve up the Raiders the past couple weeks. 

Starting running back David Montgomery is on IR so former Chiefs starter Damien Williams gets the start. It will be his most significant role since he left KC and opted out of last season due to COVID. 

Further, the defense allowed the 11th most passing touchdowns and the 13th most rushing yards. Chicago beat Detroit and Cincinnati but lost to the Browns and Rams. They sit at 2-2. 

How Can the Raiders beat the Bears?

This game could get ugly if the Raiders offensive line does not improve this week. They made a move by starting Brandon Parker and moving Alex Leatherwood to guard. Parker has been up and down his career but he has developed since coming into the league from a smaller school. Parker’s presence should help as long as he doesn’t lose confidence like he did last year versus ATL.

Hopefully all that size and athleticism will help the Raiders maul the Bears defensive line in on the right side. We’ve seen KO, Khalif Barnes and Denzelle Good all hold down the guard spot after playing right tackle so Leatherwood could follow that lineage. That still won’t answer questions at center or the other guard spot. 

This starting offensive line rounded out by Andre James, John Simpson and Kolton Miller is really a cast of homegrown and drafted players. Miller is the only proven starter. The rest of the group must step up to keep the Raiders postseason hopes alive and validate this front office’s questionable draft history. 

Either way, the Raiders should have the edge in the run game with Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake. They need to pound the rock to neutralize the Bears pass rushers and get this offensive line some confidence. 

Otherwise, Derek Carr gets an instance chance to redeem himself versus a great pass rush and a defense that wants to create turnovers. Again, it’s a careful balance between managing the game and knowing when it is time to make a big strike. Carr walks that line between keeping his team in the game and making the play that will help them win.

The running game will help Carr get that balance. It will keep the pass rushers off him and allow him to setup the play action. 

Defensively, the Raiders gotta limit lapses versus the tight end. They will also be down two of their top four corners with Damon Arnette and Trayvon Mullen both set to sit with an injury. This week’s receivers won’t test the Raiders like the Chargers last week. However, they’ve got speed and size to make the Raiders pay if Justin Fields is given too much time in the pocket. Allen Robinson is still one of the best receivers in the game and we can not let him get back on track versus us. 

Raiders Please Make This One Easy

When Was The Raiders Last Blow Out?

Thus, the Raiders must double down and establish their identity at home this week. Let’s see them get an early lead and force the Bears sputtering offense to force big plays. Vegas should run the ball, take deep shots and don’t turn the ball over. Pressure the young quarterback, don’t get beat deep and stop this running game from getting established on your way to a decisive win.

The Silver and Black must show their identity versus a middle of the road Bears team if they want to stay in playoff consideration. Impose your will, dominate this team or whatever cliche you need to eliminate any questions about the Raiders’ legitimacy.

Don’t let Chicago stay in the game by giving up sacks, getting beat for big plays or letting this running game get established. All eyes will be on our corners. Yes, we’re short-handed but everybody got to step up. Great teams don’t lose to so-so or good teams. We will have a better idea where the Raiders fall on the ok to great team scale by how they come out after a loss.

Can Carr and Gruden make the necessary adjustments to help this team avoid another midseason collapse? Prove this ain’t last year with a decisive win over a Bears team that is trying to find themselves. Carr and Gruden need conversations focused on their performances again, rather than the off field stuff too. Just get back on the winning track this week.

Oh, and please stop comparing Mack and Madd Maxx. Totally different players.

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No Trap or Revenge Needed in Week 3 Vs Miami

Is it really different this time?

The Raiders are 2-0 much like last season. This time their defense is receiving a lot more praise off standout performances from Solomon Thomas, Carl Nassib, Maxx Crosby, and more. 

Also, Derek Carr is getting a lot more praise and recognition this time around. Dude is already amidst lots of MVP conversations. The Raiders are also doing it in Las Vegas and with fans in the building. Much different than last year’s COVID season. https://www.getrevue.co/profile/silverandblog

How Did We Get Here?

Listen, I’ll take beating the Steelers any day. However, we got to acknowledge that they were down two key starters with Devin Bush and Joe Haden out. Trai Turner left the game due to his own B.S.

One side of the coin, the Raiders beat two tough AFC North teams which will be critical for playoff seeding. The other side, the Raiders beat two overrated AFC teams with major injuries.

Either way, it’s clear the Steelers are a solid team. I think they took more lateral steps this year than many expected. However, many said the same thing about Baltimore last week. The Ravens just answered any questions about their contention by upsetting the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

There were a lot of things to love about Sunday’s win. Trayvon Mullen made a crucial pick that reminded us all our DBs are actually legit now. Casey Hayward still ain’t given up a reception.

Solomon Thomas came up big with two sacks. Mad Maxx Crosby kept up his pressures and hits on the QBs. The run defense improved thanks partly to K.J. Wright. They held Pittsburgh’s key rookie rusher to under 40 yards for the game. Starting tight end Eric Ebron was a non-factor for the Steelers thanks to improved linebacker and safety play.

On offense, Carr was 28/37 with no interceptions. The Raiders quarterback earned his MVP consideration all week. More importantly, he was 4/4 on deep passes. Carr lead PFF and ESPN advanced QB metrics last week.

Henry Ruggs also eclipsed 100 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. Daniel Carlson converted a game winning field goal and had his highest scoring game in his young career.

Otherwise, there were some ugly moments. The tussle between Turner and Crosby earned them both fines this week. Najee Harris stiff-armed Johnathan Abrams’ soul. The Raiders gave up some deep plays to the Steelers.

Our Silver and Black never really established the run game either. The offensive line played well enough but they were far from perfect.

Keys Versus the Dolphins

Don’t call Week Three a trap game. Yes, the Raiders are favored. Nonetheless, Vegas will need to show they can beat a struggling team without struggling. This will make Raiders Nation feel like things are finally different this time.

We also can’t forget the Dolphins lead a miraculous comeback that ended the Raiders’ playoff chances when these two teams played last year. Carr didn’t play in that game last season but this time the Dolphins will be down their starter. Jon Gruden still won’t call this game a revenge game since Ryan Fitzpatrick is long gone.

Regardless, Miami damn near got mercy-ruled last week as the Bills gave them a 35-0 loss. Tua left the game with a ribs injury and Jacoby Brissett entered. Brissett will make his first start since 2019 after throwing an interception in limited action last week. He should find himself under constant pressure as the Raiders defensive line comes to town.

Miami has not done anything too scary on offense this season. Still, Davante Parker is a big name and he brings a big body that should give the Raiders some problems in the end zone. They’ve got a phenomenal rookie and Will Fuller should return this week too. Vegas will have to respect Brissett’s legs and Mike G. at tight end. Yet, the Dolphins have yet to find a featured back.

On defense, Miami features a solid mix of young players and veterans. Corners Xavien Howard and Byron Jones are among the highest paid duo in the league. You add veteran safeties Eric Rowe and Jason McCourty, along with nickel Justin Coleman. This young Raiders receiver group will get tested. There’s a reason why some think this can be a trap game.

Moreover, Christian Wilkins is a beast. John Jenkins and Emmanuel Ogbah compromise a versatile front that could cause problems for the Raiders offensive line that features some inexperienced players due to injuries.

This team is also well coached with Brian Flores. Also, shout out to former Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie who has been a part of the Miami front office since leaving Oakland.

Keys To Beating the Phins

If the Raiders want to beat the Dolphins, they have to establish their identity. That means running the ball effectively enough to get short second and third downs. It means converting downfield shots without turning the ball over. The Raiders have done that for the most part the last few weeks.

Now, their offensive line must step up and do it against a tricky Miami front. They can’t take any steps back just because they are the favorites. We can’t kill ourselves with penalties or let them hang in the game.

One-on-one, the Raiders young receiver corps face a tough matchup versus the Dolphins. They can answer any questions about the group with a solid games versus the Phins. Vegs should win if Carr can continue his efficiency while also stretching the field. Again, Carr’s success will rely on the success of his young receivers, offensive line and hobbled backfield.

This is also a prove-it game for the Raiders’ secondary and defensive line that is capturing national attention for their turnaround. Don’t let Miami find their rhythm in the run game or gain confidence with big scramble plays or pass completions.

Even if he wasn’t the Week One starter, Brissett is not a bad player. He could expose the team if they don’t play discipline. The Vegas defense can’t have any lapses versus a hobbled Miami offense that appears subpar on paper. It’s about establishing their dominance with turnovers and big hits but also playing with enough discipline to keep the Phins from having a chance.

Ultimately, the Raiders can prove they are not the same team that collapsed in the second half of the last two seasons by dominating a team they should beat at home. They can show their defense is real by a third straight strong performance from the defensive line, along with continued consistency in the secondary and increasingly improved play by the backer.

Offensively, this young group should benefit by many reps versus a stout Dolphins defense. It is up to them to prove themselves in the trenches and one-on-one from the outside. We know what Carr and Waller will bring in terms of efficiency. Kenyan Drake could also use a big game on the ground versus the team that drafted him. Drake has been a weapon in the air but the Raiders will need him to make some big rushing plays as Jacobs continues battling injury.

The Raiders handling the Dolphins should continue building playoff momentum and rhythm for the young Raiders offense and defense. It’s a chance for a statement made over a team that narrowly edged them out over some B.S. last year. A statement that says we aren’t just the same Raiders as last year. Plus, who doesn’t want to be 3-0 heading into Chargers week on Monday Night?

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