In this light-hearted return from hiatus, the Only Nation Podcast crew covers current Las Vegas Raiders news. Also, they welcome Heidi Fang, host of Vegas Nation Podcast.
The Only Nation Podcast Is Back
The Only Nation Podcast crew explores current NFL news and invites Fang to join them on the show. They jump into the show talking about the Raiders offensive line. Pro Football Focus recently ranked the Silver and Black unit as the best when it comes to letting plays develop. In the light-hearted theme of the episode, Homer and T3 discuss how PFF’s ratings can be suspect. On the other hand, Heidi (Stabbert) points out she sometimes agrees with some of the things PFF writes and disagrees with others.
They discuss former NFL quarterback and MVP Randall Cunningham taking over chaplain duties for the Raiders. Allegiant Stadium’s video boards are now fully operational as the building nears completion at the end of the month. In Madden news, Henry Ruggs III’s speed is 98, which only trails wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s.
In other news, the crew goes over the NFL health guidelines
Training camps will start on July 28th. The NFL is ushering in several new guidelines for players, fans, and staff safety during games in the current pandemic climate. Among the new guidelines for this season is a drastic reduction of non-game personnel on the field during games. COVID-19 screening for all persons with field access will be mandatory. dedicated entrance and exit tunnels for players, players being prevented from interacting within six feet of each other after games, and a ban on post-game jersey exchanges.
The crew welcomes Heidi Fang to the show
Heidi Fang joins the episode and talks about growing up in a sports household. She even reveals her grandparents were forerunners of stadium marriage proposals over 70 years ago. She discusses how surreal it has been for her to be on the field for NFL games. Later in the broadcast, she shares her thoughts on the arrival of the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Of course, no interview with the host of Vegas Nation would be complete without hearing her opinions on how the team will succeed in their new city. She believes coach Jon Gruden now has the tools to be successful with his revamped receiving corps that includes Ruggs and veteran tight end Jason Witten. Not only is Fang a fan of the Raiders’ new offensive weapons, but she’s also ok with defensive coordinator Paul Guenther being given a chance to field a solid defense with the addition of several new key players.
A road trip through the US and more Heidi Fang
To wrap up the show, Fang sticks around to do the final segment, Heidi’s Heroes, with co-host Heidi Stabbert, who was inspired to pick the topic after traveling over 3,100 miles to her new home with her family pets. This episode’s heroes are Tony LaRussa and Amy Trask because of their work with Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). Since its founding in 1991, ARF has found homes for over 43,000 animals and spayed or neutered over 40,000 more. In light of this and all other services ARF provides, it’s not difficult to see why LaRussa and Trask are this week’s heroes.
Top Photo: K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal
Join Heidi Stabbert, Raider Homer and T3RaiderFax on their Las Vegas Raiders show The Only Nation Podcast. Available on podcast platforms everywhere.