The Raiders recently made a big decision, firing coach Pete Carroll. Defensive end Maxx Crosby shared his thoughts on the move during the Let’s Go! podcast.
“It’s definitely a surprise,” he said. Crosby saw the news flash on a screen while at the facility. “This season didn’t go how we hoped.” He expressed a sense of gloom but praised Carroll’s consistent track record, noting that he has won significant titles, including a Super Bowl. “It’s unfortunate that things didn’t pan out, but he had a great career,” Crosby reflected.
The team’s struggles were evident. Many felt Carroll underestimated the team’s needs. A key misstep was using a high draft pick on running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty is a talented player, but without a solid team foundation, it’s tough for him to succeed.
Building a strong team starts with solid offensive and defensive lines. Investing in flashy players like Jeanty without that base is a risky strategy. Looking ahead, the AFC West is still a formidable division, and the Raiders have only made the playoffs twice in over two decades. As the team heads toward 2026, the outlook seems more challenging than before.
Carroll, with a history of coaching various teams, may find himself at a crossroads in his career. As Crosby noted, “We’re all back to the grind.”
This situation highlights a broader trend in the NFL: the importance of a strong foundational team over seeking flashy talent. A recent survey found that teams with a solid line often perform better, with line play being a crucial factor in game outcomes. Investing wisely in core positions can lead to long-term success.
For more on coaching strategies and team building, you can check out NFL insights from sources like ESPN or NFL.com.
