Not even Tom Brady could save Pete Carroll-literally. The 31-0 blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs marks the worst defeat of the Brady-Carroll era for the Las Vegas Raiders. The legendary coach was visibly stunned and nearly speechless during the postgame press conference.
Brady’s arrival as a minority owner in October 2024 had reignited hopes of a playoff return after a four-year drought. But today’s thrashing by the Chiefs made it painfully clear: nothing is working for this team.
The offense was ineffective, and the defense couldn’t contain quarterback Patrick Mahomes. To add insult to injury, Mahomes executed a trick play he likely wouldn’t have attempted against any other team. And if that weren’t enough, Kansas City rested its starters for the entire fourth quarter. Carroll was in disbelief.
Carroll tries to defend his team
The loss clearly rattled the Raiders, and Carroll’s postgame comments reflected that. “This was a game I didn’t see coming,” he told reporters.
He insisted the team had prepared well, but injuries proved too much to overcome. “I couldn’t imagine that the guys who weren’t able to play would make that much of a factor,” Carroll admitted.
Without offering further justification, the coach concluded, “We gotta get our guys back and we gotta play the game well.” Easier said than done.
The team still needs to evaluate pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who left the game in the first quarter. Tight end Brock Bowers and quarterback Aidan O’Connell also remain on the injury list.
Geno Smith under fire
The offense’s dismal showing-only crossing midfield on its opening drive-has put quarterback Geno Smith and his reunion with Carroll under scrutiny.
Although the duo enjoyed five successful seasons together in Seattle, their partnership in Las Vegas has fallen flat. With a 2-5 record and sitting last in the AFC West, the Raiders are quickly fading from playoff contention.
The season isn’t even halfway over, yet the Raiders appear to be the first team unofficially eliminated from the postseason. And given the current state of the roster, even if Brady came out of retirement and played the remainder of the season, it wouldn’t be enough to save them.
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