The Las Vegas Raiders are facing what might be the most challenging season in their recent history, raising serious questions about the franchise's future and the decisions made along the way. But here's where it gets controversial... Despite initial hopes that new coaching and recent draft picks could turn things around, the team’s performance has largely been underwhelming, leaving fans questioning whether change is truly on the horizon. And this is the part most people miss: how much responsibility does the ownership bear for the current state of affairs?
The Raiders are well into their season with a dismal record of 2 wins and 10 losses, already out of playoff contention, marking yet another disappointing year since their last Super Bowl appearance back in 2003. As they gear up for their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos, favorite odds favor the Broncos by 7.5 points, with the total points expected to hover around 40.5—mostly leaning toward the under.
Looking beyond the scoreboard, many wonder whether the decisions behind the scenes—like hiring Pete Carroll, a coach with a storied career, and selecting Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the draft—had an impact on this bleak outcome. To get some perspective, we spoke with Matt Holder from Silver and Black Pride, who offers an insider’s view on what’s truly happening in Raider Nation.
How disappointing has this season been for the Raiders, and was this downfall predictable?
Matt: It’s undeniably been a rough campaign. Pete Carroll, during the offseason, was loud and proud about his track record—constantly bragging about his ten-win seasons. Meanwhile, Geno Smith was expected to be a temporary stopgap at quarterback, but he hasn’t delivered, tying for the most interceptions in the league and showing how unfit he is as a long-term solution. Coming into this year, I believed the Raiders might hover around 7 to 9 wins, but their play has been uninspired and often uncompetitive, making them one of the league’s bottom-dwellers. So yes, this level of underperformance is hardly shocking—it’s been a tough reality check for fans and analysts alike.
What does the future hold for Pete Carroll? Will he remain at the helm beyond this season?
Matt: That’s a tricky call. Owner Mark Davis is probably less than thrilled about paying for another coach to be shown the door without results. The Raiders are heading into a long-term rebuild, and given Carroll’s age—about to turn 75—parting ways might be the logical move. Plus, there’s tension reportedly brewing behind the scenes, with reports suggesting Carroll and general manager John Spytek aren’t exactly on the same page. Carroll’s reluctance to give rookies meaningful playing time, aside from Jeanty, has also ruffled feathers. Given the circumstances, if I had to wager, it seems highly likely Carroll will be looking for opportunities elsewhere after this season.
And what about the franchise’s management? How much blame does owner Mark Davis deserve?
Matt: Since taking over in 2011, Davis's record is 93-147—only two winning seasons, which isn’t exactly inspiring. He’s cycled through seven full-time head coaches and five general managers during this period, cementing his role as the common denominator in a string of subpar performances. To his credit, Davis has largely avoided meddling in football strategies, which used to be a hallmark of the late Al Davis. However, that hands-off approach hasn’t resulted in success. The dire state of the team reflects, in large part, poor decision-making at the ownership level. Fans are cautiously optimistic that perhaps a fresh face, like a prominent quarterback or a new head coach, could turn things around—though recent moves, like adding Tom Brady as a minority owner, haven’t exactly sparked confidence.
What hope exists for fans looking toward the future? Is there anything to feel optimistic about?
Matt: The outlook is mixed. A key frustration is that young players haven’t been given much opportunity this season, which stifles hope and development. To compare, the 2014 Raiders finished 3-13 but offered fans hope with emerging stars like Derek Carr and Khalil Mack. Their subsequent seasons showed progress, culminating in a 12-4 record in 2016 that ended the franchise’s playoff drought. Currently, however, the roster is filled with veteran contracts and an aging quarterback who’s underperforming—hardly promising. That said, the team is expected to secure a top-five pick in the upcoming draft, which could be crucial in selecting a franchise-changing quarterback or a star player. Plus, there’s potential in the nine draft picks the team currently holds, along with the hope that a new coach might unlock their talents.
For Sunday’s game, what should fans watch for, and what’s your prediction?
Matt: It’s tough to predict the score because Denver, though better, hasn’t been dominant—highlighted by a recent low-scoring 10-7 game between these two. Sadly, I sense some players on the Raiders have mentally checked out, which could make this game more one-sided. Looking at their recent matchups, including losses to the Chargers, I foresee the Broncos winning comfortably. My prediction: Denver takes it 28-10.
In summary, this season paints a bleak picture for the Raiders’ immediate future, with questions about coaching stability, ownership accountability, and ongoing rebuilding efforts. Do you agree that the franchise’s struggles are rooted in ownership decisions, or do you believe there’s still hope for a turnaround? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
