Pete Carroll Faces Challenges as Raiders Struggle with Disappointing Start
In a startling twist for the Las Vegas Raiders, Coach Pete Carroll's typically optimistic demeanor began to falter this past Sunday. The Raiders suffered a staggering defeat against the Indianapolis Colts, losing 40-6 at Lucas Oil Stadium. This defeat not only marked the Raiders' fourth consecutive loss, but it also represented their largest margin of defeat since a disheartening 48-9 loss to Kansas City back in 2021.
Carroll, who had high hopes heading into his inaugural season as head coach, appeared deflated. On the very first day of training camp in July, he confidently declared to reporters, "We are going to win a bunch, and I don't care who hears that." Fast forward to today, and the Raiders find themselves with a 1-4 record—Carroll's worst start in his coaching career. Adding to the pressure is the unexpected struggle of quarterback Geno Smith, whom Carroll had expected to lead the team effectively. Smith threw two interceptions during the game against the Colts, bringing his season total to nine, placing him at the top of the league for most interceptions.
Despite his inherent optimism, Carroll acknowledged that the start of his tenure in Las Vegas has been tough to process. "I'm processing it poorly, to tell you the truth, because I did expect to win right out of the chutes," Carroll admitted after experiencing his second-largest defeat in a career spanning both college and professional football.
The struggles that have haunted the Raiders throughout their season were glaringly exposed in Indianapolis. Special teams faced yet another setback, highlighted by the Colts blocking a punt that led to an injury for All-Pro punter A.J. Cole, who later returned to the game. However, kicker Daniel Carlson, forced into punting duties, missed a crucial 57-yard field goal attempt just before halftime. Had it not been for a holding penalty on the Colts, the Raiders would have also incurred the embarrassment of allowing a 98-yard kick return touchdown to Ashton Dulin.
While the Raiders' defense managed to limit the Colts to 96 rushing yards, the Colts took full advantage of their favorable field positions, scoring on all six of their trips to the red zone and converting eight out of ten third downs. Carroll credited the Colts' performance, stating, "[The Colts] outexecuted us. ... We weren't able to get off the field, and that's why they were able to sustain their drives."
Players on the Raiders' defense, including defensive end Maxx Crosby, expressed their frustration. "Yeah, we didn't do anything good," Crosby stated bluntly after the game.
In a moment of reflection, Smith sat at his locker, visibly disappointed, while wide receiver coach Chris Beatty offered encouragement. Following that, Smith engaged in a prolonged discussion with Carroll. Consistently, Smith's turnovers have emerged as a significant issue throughout the team's disastrous season—this marked the third time in five games he threw multiple interceptions.
To put it in perspective, Smith's nine interceptions are the highest recorded by any Raiders quarterback in the first five games of a season since Jim Plunkett in 1982. The last quarterback to record nine interceptions in their team's first five games was Zach Wilson from the New York Jets in 2021.
Recognizing the need for improvement, Smith commented, "You've got to go through the process, man. ... We hate it, and I hate it the most." Unlike their opponents, the Raiders failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities inside the red zone, going a disappointing 0-for-4. Smith's initial interception occurred on a pivotal play at the Colts' 11-yard line, where Grover Stewart tipped his pass, only for it to be intercepted by Laiatu Latu.
Carroll mulled the idea of substituting in backup quarterback Kenny Pickett late in the game, yet opted to keep Smith and other starters on the field for additional practice. "We need the reps. ... We need to run the system," he stated. "We need to see the guys get their opportunities to improve. It's not like a big change."
Amidst the mounting adversity, there remains a glimmer of hope for the Raiders. Carroll has a solid pedigree for building winning programs, and prior to this season, Smith had enjoyed the best stretch of his career as a starter with the Seattle Seahawks. The addition of rookie Ashton Jeanty, whom the Raiders picked in the first round, was expected to boost the run game, and there was optimism with key returnees like Crosby, who had been recovering from injuries.
However, the team Carroll envisioned for the Raiders has not materialized yet. Compounding the situation is the absence of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, who missed the game due to a PCL injury and bone bruise in his left knee that he had been struggling with since Week 1. Carroll had expressed confidence that Bowers would play, even after missing two practice days, but ultimately, Bowers felt unfit to participate.
"If Brock could have played, he would have. If [cornerback Eric] Stokes could have played, he would have," Carroll remarked. "We thought that resting them would make a difference, and we didn't get as much out of that as we hoped."
For the Raiders, the sole bright spot following their third double-digit loss this season is that there are still twelve games remaining on the schedule. Linebacker Devin White summed it up well: "When life throws challenges at you, you just got to find a solution and fix it. That's the journey we're on right now."
And so, as the Raiders regroup for the upcoming games, one must ask: what changes need to be implemented for this team to turn around their season? Are the struggles mainly due to player performance, coaching decisions, or a combination of both? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
