Raider Nation, we asked for honest feedback all camp — well, we got it on Tuesday. Scott Gulbransen breaks down everything that came out of the Raiders' joint practices against the Houston Texans, starting with the offensive line getting worked by a legitimately talented Texans front. Protection breakdowns, a run game that never got going, and what it all means heading into tonight's preseason game.
Then the real story of the week: Fernando Mendoza taking extensive reps with the first team, including multiple pick-sixes by both QBs, and how he handled it afterward. Scott explains why a rough day against a real NFL defense isn't a red flag — it's tuition — and lays out the difference between Kirk Cousins as the floor and Mendoza as the ceiling at quarterback.
Also on deck: Klint Kubiak's measured response to Tuesday's practice, Brock Bowers returning to the field, the Powers-Johnson injury and what it means for Caleb Rogers' shot at right guard, the secondary competition with Darren Porter making noise, and a preview of what to watch for tonight as the Raiders take on the Texans in preseason game two.
Call in with your take at 702-907-8690, or send video to mail@silverandblacktoday.com. Catch Silver and Black Today live on the radio starting Week 1 on 101.5 KDON FM, Saturdays at 5 PM, and don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and wherever you get your audio.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro and welcome to Silver and Black Today
00:52 Setting the table: joint practices with the Texans
03:53 Headline: honest feedback from Tuesday's practice
04:28 Offensive line struggles against the Texans front
05:47 Run game fails to get established
06:00 Pushing back on the panic button crowd
08:00 Klint Kubiak's measured response
09:22 The big question: how worried should Raider Nation be
10:49 Kirk Cousins gets real reps, veteran poise under pressure
12:02 The Fernando Mendoza story: extensive first-team reps
13:01 Pick sixes and Mendoza's honest reaction
14:19 Why taking responsibility is a good sign
17:00 What outside observers and national media saw
19:01 Cousins as the floor, Mendoza building the ceiling
19:57 Roster board: JPJ injury and the interior o-line
20:38 Caleb Rogers' opportunity at right guard
21:47 Brock Bowers is back
22:38 Secondary competition and Darien Porter
25:16 Individual flashes and joint practice value
28:10 Tonight's preseason game 2 preview vs. Texans
30:23 Watching Ashton Jeanty and Malik Benson tonight
31:16 Defensive keys to watch tonight
32:42 Call-in and video submission info
33:09 Radio show details: 101.5 KDON, Saturdays at 5 PM
34:18 Sign-off and where to follow the show
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