Blogging The Boys
We are so very close to football.
The Las Vegas Raiders are no strangers to change, but the 2024 season pushed the franchise to a breaking point. After firing head coach Josh McDaniels midway through the 2023 campaign and turning to former linebacker Antonio Pierce as the interim leader, there was renewed optimism in Sin City. That optimism didn’t last long.
Under Pierce, the Raiders stumbled to a disappointing 4-13 finish in 2024, prompting yet another coaching change. This time, Las Vegas opted for experience—decades of it. In a surprising move, the team hired 73-year-old Pete Carroll to take the reins, making him the oldest head coach in NFL history when he steps onto the sideline in Week 1. Carroll, who inked a three-year deal, will be 76 by the end of his contract.
Despite his age, Carroll brings energy, competitiveness, and a proven track record of fostering player-friendly locker rooms. Known for his “win forever” mantra and success with the Seahawks, Carroll now inherits a Raiders team desperate for identity and stability. Along with Carroll comes quarterback Geno Smith, reuniting the two from their time in Seattle. Together, they aim to bring professionalism and a sharper edge to a team that lacked discipline and preparation last year.
Las Vegas may no longer be a league doormat, as Carroll could quickly turn around the attitude in Las Vegas. While big names like Maxx Crosby dominate headlines for the Silver and Black, a few under-the-radar players could make a major difference, particularly in their matchup with Dallas.
The Raiders also made a significant addition to their coaching staff, hiring offensive innovator Chip Kelly as their new offensive coordinator. Kelly, fresh off orchestrating Ohio State’s offense to a national championship, is expected to implement his signature uptempo offense built on pace and explosiveness. One player who stands to benefit immensely is Tre Tucker.
Tucker, a third-year receiver, is suited for Kelly’s system. At 5’9” and clocking a blazing 4.37 in the 40-yard dash, Tucker thrives out of the slot, where his quickness and low center of gravity make him nearly impossible to jam at the line of scrimmage. As a rookie, he averaged 17.4 yards per reception with an average depth of target of 18.5 yards, showcasing his big-play potential.
However, last season’s quarterback instability led to a more conservative role, limiting his opportunities downfield. With Geno Smith now under center and Kelly calling the plays, expect Tucker to reclaim his vertical role. Malik Hooker and Dallas’ safeties will need to be ready to defend the deep third as Tucker stretches the field.
While Maxx Crosby rightly draws attention as one of the league’s best pass rushers, don’t overlook Malcolm Koonce, who has quietly developed into a legitimate threat on the opposite edge. A third-round pick in 2021, Koonce broke out in 2023 with eight sacks and 23 quarterback pressures despite playing only 44% of the defensive snaps. Unfortunately his rise was interrupted by an ACL...
