Maxx Crosby isn’t buying Pete Carroll‘s explanation for the Las Vegas Raiders‘ ongoing problems as the team’s struggles go far beyond a poor record, and accountability has become the central issue, not excuses.
Another week, another defeat for the Raiders and frustration is growing in the locker room and on the field, with losses piling up and solutions remaining elusive after the latest setback: a 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos.
It was a game that prompted Carroll to suggest internal energy issues were a factor but Crosby, however, disagreed publicly, taking aim at his coach’s narrative as the team languishes at the foot of the AFC West.
“I don’t think energy is our problem. There’s a lot of things that need to be better across the board. Simple as that,” Crosby retorted, in comments made it clear that the team’s mindset is not the root cause.
In other words, the Raiders need solutions, not excuses, and the responsibility starts at the top with the under fire 74-year-old Carroll, whose team continues to repeat mistakes week after week.
With a 2-11 record and NFL Playoffs hopes already dashed after a 31-14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the urgency is undeniable.
Meanwhile Crosby has remained one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders, consistently leading the team in tackles for loss, sacks, and overall disruption despite being frequently double-teamed.
His presence has been a rare constant amid a season mired in disappointment and inconsistency and just before Sunday’s game, the Raiders honored Crosby as their 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee.
That’s the league’s third most prestigious individual award aside from the Super Bowl MVP and NFL MVP honors so the player will wear the Walter Payton decal for the remainder of the season.
Even in a difficult year, Crosby has maintained elite-level performance on the field as rather than dwelling on results as he claims the team simply has to keep pushing on.
“It doesn’t,” Crosby added, of the team’s losing streak and the impact it has had. “You got to just keep playing. You work year-round to have 17 games.
“I’m blessed to be here, and I know my teammates feel the same.”
Pete Carroll and lowly Raiders lose starting QB vs Broncos
The Raiders were forced to replace quarterback Geno Smith after he injured his right hand and shoulder in the third quarter, suffering from a cut and a “locked up” shoulder.
Though there appeared to be no serious damage, Kenny Pickett stepped in to try to save the day for Las Vegas, but to no avail as the Raiders are now 2-11, and have dropped seven straight games and 11 of its last 12.
The team has also lost 11 consecutive divisional matchups, the longest active streak in the NFL as Smith completed 13-of-21 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown before exiting. Pickett came on and finished 8-of-11 for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Bo Nix threw for 212 yards and also scored a rushing touchdown on the other side of the ball, helping Denver extend its winning streak to 10 games and take command of the AFC West.
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