Skip to main content
Raiders Today

Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Questions, Emails...

The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the world's most influential professional sports franchises, and we take time each week to answer the questions of a rabid fan base.
Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Questions, Emails...
Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Questions, Emails...

In this story:

HENDERSON, Nev.--The Las Vegas Raiders are (5-8) preparing to host the Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) tonight at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

We will answer some of the questions and emails from Raider Nation as we look ahead to this monster game.

Hi Hondo. I have heard you many times discuss the rule of five. Can you explain that to me, please? --I love what you do, Sam W.

Remember the rule of five. The game is over if the Raiders win that key statistical battle. It concerns sacks and turnovers for those who don't remember it. If the Raiders have three sacks and give up two, they are plus one. They are plus three if they get four turnovers and give up only one. That would give them a plus-four for the day. They want to get to a plus-five ratio every game. On average, teams that reach the rule of five scenarios win 91 percent of their NFL games.

Hello Hondo. What you would say are the statistical odds that Davante Adams will be back next season for the Raiders? --Nikki R.

I know that Davante Adams wants to be a Raider. I also know I can't answer you until we see what changes are coming. Stay tuned.

Hi Hondo, the reasonable hope a team can have for a high draft pick is to get a serviceable starter, but not necessarily a superstar. What makes teams willing to give up a generational talent in exchange for a serviceable starter or two? --James Orr

First of all, this is a great question. Secondly, let's look at some contributing factors. If a generational talent like Maxx Crosby is on your roster, he is young. He can continue improving even through a rebuild at a key spot. If anyone traded him right now, it would be malfeasance, in my opinion. But, if you have a generation player, who is older, who wouldn't get better or at least remain the same for three years (the time for a rebuild), then I think you have to look at the value they could bring you in capital, and then make a decision.

Hi Hondo, In my view, Mark Davis has never shown he can successfully hire a HC and GM. What should give us confidence that he will get the hiring process right now? Keep up the great content! Many thanks and cheers from the UK. --Mark

It is not my job to sell you hope. I am neither a cheerleader nor a doomsday prognosticator. I have repeatedly said the next decision Mark Davis makes will be a legacy-defining hire. He was not prideful in terminating the previous regime and did what was best for the franchise. Many owners would not have. That is something to be encouraged by.

Hondo, I loved your interview with Tyree Wilson. I am concerned that people are throwing him away, and we did that with Cle Ferrell, who is playing out of his mind for the 49ers. When do people realize it is a Raider problem? --Kyle B.

I don't know that I would use the words that it is a Raider problem. I think it is a societal issue. Our society has become so instant that while we each need time to grow and develop, we don't allow it for others. We live in an age of instant gratification. That isn't just hurting the Raiders or the game of football, it is a societal issue.

I just want to say something that irked me bad. You talked about fans thinking the players are in it for the money you bet your ass that's all they care about. First off, these guys are getting paid millions to play a child's game. Meanwhile, when I served in Iraq and Afghanistan, the men who died or lost limbs they got peanuts compared to the crybaby players. Veterans are always ignored, and the NFL is to protected. --Justin S. 

I highly respect your opinion as a warrior raised me, but I disagree with your interpretation of something I said. Many, by far the majority of players, play for the money as I work for the money.  

In context, what I said was that there are some players, Maxx Crosby and Robert Spillane, who while they certainly cash their checks and enjoy what generational wealth has given them, the money hasn't changed them. They still play as hard. I said they would be playing in a beer league if they weren't in the NFL. They would play in the NFL or outside of it because they love it. I appreciate your listening, but the context was and is critical. In the discussion, I talked about money changing so many. I know a great player who was a UDFA for a team. He was born and raised in poverty. When he got his second contract, he changed, no longer gave the effort. Robert and Maxx got paid great money, which had zero negative impact, in fact, both got better.

Thank you for your service to our great nation and all our veterans. I hope this clarifies the issue.

Hondo, my son, and my grandson were at my house discussing your comments about this not being a rebuilding team. Can you explain that to me? --Milo P.

Sure. You have an excellent defense with some great stars, emerging young players, and leadership. Your special teams are excellent, and many terrific weapons are on that side of the ball. You have a couple of coaching spots that need to be upgraded and a couple of positions, but this team is nowhere near a rebuild, and a rebuild is not close to being necessary.

Hondo, do you think Josh Jacobs is faking his injury? --Thomas L.

No way. That is absurd. If he can play, he will.  I can tell you he is injured.

Now, from our weekly "Hate Hondo" file:

Hey, fat f**k. You are a worthless piece of trash. The Raiders' failures are directly tied to your coverage of this team. All I want for Christmas is to hear that you have died. --Patrick H.

Hondo, I am unsure if I have words that can explain to you how much I hate you. I hate your opinions, your thoughts, and every single thing about you. Reading and watching you every day just confirms it. Hope you choke on a Christmas cookie. --Will G.

If I hear you say one more time that you aren't a fan, I am going to punch you in the face. Why cover a team you are not a fan of, you fat, worthless turd. We don't care what you think if you aren't a fan. --Pert C.

If you have a Las Vegas Raiders question you would like answered, please email us at SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put Raiders Q/A in the subject line.

The Silver and Black will turn around quickly and host their AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, on Thursday, December 14, at 8:15 p.m. EST/5:15 p.m. PST.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations


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