Pete Carroll Analyzes Raiders’ Heartbreaking Defeat
The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at a critical juncture following their latest setback, losing for the fifth time in six games. As they prepare for a quick turnaround with a road matchup against the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football, the focus must shift quickly from the disappointment of their recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Injury Updates and Young Player Performance
Head Coach Pete Carroll offered insights on the health of the team after the game.
“We’ll see how we go. It’s a short week. We got to figure that out. Got some guys that got banged a little bit, but nobody’s out of the game at this point,” Carroll stated regarding the team’s condition.
Among the players who saw action were rookies Greedy Vance, Tristin McCollum, and Darien Porter. Carroll reflected on their performances, noting, “They did alright. You saw Darien [Porter] got probably tested more than anybody. He had a couple balls thrown on him, but he played well all in all and tackled pretty well. Had a couple good hits.”
While Porter faced challenges, both Vance and McCollum contributed positively, with Vance hanging on against a challenging route and McCollum also showing promise.
Concerns Over Offensive Balance
One pressing question that arose was the team’s offensive strategy, particularly the balance between passing and rushing. In the first half against the Jaguars, the Raiders found themselves with a lopsided offensive approach, recording 21 passes to only eight rushes by Ashton Jeanty. When asked if this imbalance was a concern, Carroll responded confidently.
“No, that doesn’t concern me. In the first half, we scored six points. In the second half, we did pretty well moving the football,” he explained. “So, we always want balance to some degree, but the balance will come when, at the end of the game, you get 10 runs in the fourth quarter. We didn’t get that done.”
Utilizing 12 Personnel Effectively
As the Raiders look to improve, Carroll highlighted the importance of their offensive formations, particularly the use of 12 personnel. With Brock Bowers back to full health, Carroll expressed enthusiasm for continuing this strategy.
“That’s where we started the season too. We were thinking that we were going to lead to that, because we like Mike [Michael Mayer] on the field the same time Brock’s [Bowers] out there and all of the flexibility that gives us,” Carroll remarked. “It’s obvious how valuable Brock was to us yesterday.”
Geno Smith’s Performance and Future Strategy
Carroll also discussed quarterback Geno Smith’s performance, particularly in the second half, where he completed 15 of 19 passes and threw three touchdowns. “That’s the way we have anticipated playing,” Carroll noted. “Really, Brock [Bowers] is an integral part of it, and it seems like everybody gets a little more open when he’s out there.”
While acknowledging Smith’s potential, Carroll recognized that consistency has been a challenge.
Maximizing Ashton Jeanty’s Potential
Finally, Carroll emphasized the need to continue maximizing the skills of Ashton Jeanty, who has showcased his ability to make plays in space. “We just have to keep getting the ball out there,” he said. “He needs to get the ball out on the edge. He’s as difficult as can be to get down. The big plays are just waiting to happen.”
As the Raiders gear up for their next game, the focus will be on implementing these strategies and improving their overall performance in hopes of turning the season around.
