The Dark Rises - A Raider Fan Podcast

We discuss the Raiders’ decision to trade Kirk Cousins to Minnesota and hand the starting job to rookie Fernando Mendoza. They weigh the cap and draft-pick implications, debate what Mendoza’s mobility could change, and assess the team’s defensive struggles and playoff hopes after the loss to San Francisco.

We celebrate the Raiders ending a four-game losing streak with a win over the Jets, then debate what the result says about the team. They assess defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, Maxx Crosby's production, whether rookie Ashton Jeanty is being unfairly labeled a bust, and how long Kirk Cousins should remain the starter before Fernando Mendoza gets a chance.

Chris and Pat react to the Raiders’ four-game losing streak and the frustrating 3-4 start, focusing on missed scoring chances, problems in the trenches, and the debate over when to play rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They also look ahead to the Jets game and consider what the team’s first season under Clint Kubiak should be judged on.

In this episode we analyze the first six games of the Raiders season, discussing positives, negatives, and expectations for the rest of the season. Also talk about the next game against the LA Rams.  

In this episode, we analyze the recent Raiders game against the Chiefs, discuss the team's strengths and weaknesses so far and preview and predictions of the upcoming game against the Patriots.

In this episode, we talk about the Raiders' 21 unanswerd point victory against the Saints and the complete turn around of the Raiders overall and the up coming game against the Kanses City Chiefs. 

in this episode we talk about Raiders Dubby over the bolts, another good defensive performance, how this Draft class already making immediate contributions, Impact of coaching changes and offensive system, Upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints.

In this episode, we talk about the Raiders' recent dub against the Dolphins, what surprised us, discussing key players, offensive line performance, Defensive improvements and upcoming challenges. How the team can build on their positive steps and what to expect in the next Sundays game against the Chargers. 

In this episode, we analyze the upcoming NFL season, focusing on team performances, player injuries, coaching strategies, and predictions for week one. They delve into the implications of key player injuries, coaching decisions, and the overall outlook of the Raiders this season. 

In this episode, we talk about the Raiders' preseason performance, what impresses us about Mendoza so far, and team prospects for 2026. We discuss key players, coaching and expectations for the upcoming season.