Skip to main content
Raiders Today

Hondo's Mailbag: Raiders Fans’ Demands Are Simple and Legitimate

Raiders 2026: Insider mailbag—fans’ demands are straightforward and legitimate, with expert analysis on what Vegas must address next.
Hondo Carpenter|
KLINT KUBIAK
KLINT KUBIAK | DARRELL CRAIG HARRIS, ON SI

In this story:

Las Vegas Raiders

HENDERSON, Nev.--The Las Vegas Raiders (4-4) face another potential Super Bowl-caliber test this weekend as they head to Santa Clara, California, to face the San Francisco 49ers (6-1).

Before they head out on Friday, the Silver and Black have had the chance to enjoy overachievement in the midst of a Raiders rebuild, and they are excited.

Raider Nation Speaks

Each week, I ask Raider Nation, an elite group who take their fandom as more of a way of life than just a game, besides the win, what are they looking for from their team.

The response was overwhelming and widespread.

Jeanty and Washington

I believe we will continue to see more Mike Washington Jr. (MWJ) on first and second down, and Jeanty on third down. I don't think this precludes Jeanty from getting some reps early and MWJ late, but I do think the vast majority will go as I originally described.

The Raiders need Jeanty and MWJ. I told you this before Kubiak was hired, when I explained the system he wants and covets: a dual-back system, and now we are seeing it come into focus. GM John Spytek even referenced Kubiak's desire to land MWJ, and it has paid off.

Stop the Run

Until the Raiders can stop the run, they can’t have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.  I am not saying or implying they have those now; they don’t, but seeing improvement this season, addressing it intently this offseason via free agency and the NFL Draft, and getting right in 2027 are the keys to being a legitimate perennial NFL Playoff team starting in 2028.

Raider Nation Unite

While Raider Nation always travels and shows up, I'd be shocked if they could take over that stadium on this day.  I expect a decent contingency, and they will be heard, but taking over?  That is a tall task, but I can tell you that since I started covering this team, I am more amazed every week than the last.

On Sunday in New Jersey, Klint Kubiak praised the fans, saying, "I want to start by thanking the fans, especially in the fourth quarter. The silver and black was out. We heard them, they were loud, and they
supported us from pregame, through the game, and especially in that fourth quarter. That was really special, so I'm
really grateful for our fans." Every week, these fans impress.

This Is Tackle Football

I can’t agree more.  Tackling across the NFL is terrible, but it's been embarrassing for the Raiders.  Poor tackling cost them the game against the Buffalo Bills, and it has impacted them multiple times every week.

The NFL has to do something to address this, as it is hurting the product, but fans love points, and there is no doubt the poor tackling has cost the Raiders.

Woefully inadequate.

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

I find this fascinating, as only a handful of Raiders remain on the roster from Oakland, but the fan base is firmly entrenched in this dynamic.  This game is going to be off the charts emotionally for the fans, but for those players with no Oakland resume, I wonder how much those few veterans can impart.

Zuhner Rather Than Later

As you know, in several of my mock drafts, I had the Raiders wanting and taking the young man.  The defensive line of the 49ers is very good, much better than the Jets', and I expect him to perform well.  He is going to take his lumps and have his learning curve, but he has all of the ingredients to be a star in this league and a long-term answer for the Silver and Black.

Watch My Latest Podcast

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Published
Hondo Carpenter
HONDO CARPENTER

Hondo S. Carpenter Sr. is an award-winning sports journalist with decades of experience. He serves as the Senior Writer for NFL and College sports, and is the beat writer covering the Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, he is the editor and publisher for several sites On SI. Carpenter is a member of the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA), the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), and the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).

Share on XFollow HondoCarpenter