Pete Carroll’s Candid Take: How the Raiders’ Struggling 1-4 Start Affects Team Dynamics

INDIANAPOLIS – Pete Carroll’s usually upbeat demeanor faced a tough test on Sunday. His team, the Las Vegas Raiders, suffered a heavy 40-6 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. This marked their fourth straight loss and their worst margin since a 48-9 loss in 2021.

Carroll had high hopes for his first season with the Raiders. Back in July, he confidently stated, “We are going to win a bunch,” but reality has hit hard. Now, the Raiders sit at 1-4, their worst start under Carroll’s coaching.

Geno Smith’s return to Carroll hasn’t been smooth either. The quarterback threw two interceptions on Sunday, bringing his total to nine in just five games. This is the highest in the league. Despite the setback, Carroll remains hopeful but recognizes the toll this season has taken on him.

“I expected to win from day one,” Carroll admitted. “It’s tough to process.”

All of the Raiders’ weaknesses were evident during this game. Special teams struggled, with the Colts blocking a punt. This resulted in an ankle injury for All-Pro punter AJ Cole, forcing kicker Daniel Carlson into punting duties. Carlson then missed a crucial 57-yard field goal attempt, which could have shifted momentum.

The Raiders’ defense, while limiting the Colts to 96 rushing yards, struggled on crucial downs, allowing Indianapolis to convert 6-of-6 red zone opportunities and 8-of-10 on third downs. “They outplayed us,” said Carroll. “We just couldn’t get off the field.”

Maxx Crosby, a defensive end, summed it up bluntly: “We didn’t do anything good.”

After the game, a frustrated Smith sat alone in his locker, consoled by his wide receiver coach. Smith’s turnovers have been a persistent issue, reflecting a challenging start for the Raiders. His nine interceptions match a historical low for the franchise, tying Jim Plunkett’s record from 1982.

Looking to improve, the Raiders failed to capitalize on red zone chances, going 0-for-4. Their chances evaporated when Smith’s first interception occurred at the Colts’ 11-yard line, with a tipped pass leading to a turnover.

Carroll contemplated sending in backup quarterback Kenny Pickett late in the game but chose to keep the starters in for more practice. “We need the reps,” he said. “It’s about running our system.”

Both Carroll and the Raiders came into this season with hope. Carroll’s track record in building successful programs is commendable, and Smith had shown promise in recent years. Added to this, the draft of Ashton Jeanty was meant to bolster their run game. However, things have not panned out as expected yet.

The absence of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers due to a knee injury didn’t help either. Despite Carroll’s optimism about Bowers’ availability, the player felt unfit to play.

“If Brock could have played, he would have,” Carroll stated. “We thought rest would help, but it didn’t go as planned.”

Despite the bleak situation, there’s a glimmer of hope for the Raiders. With 12 games left in the season, linebacker Devin White wisely noted, “When life throws tough challenges, you find solutions.”

As Carroll and the Raiders look to turn their fortunes around, the road ahead is long, but the potential for improvement is still there.

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