Silver And Black Pride
Sitting at 2-11 and with a good chance to earn the No. 1 overall pick, it’s hard to argue that the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t the worst team in the league. As a result, every outlet below agrees with where the Raiders stand in the Week 15 NFL Power Rankings roundup.
32. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 31
Most shocking statistical ranking: 21st in blitz rate and 30th in pressure rate
The Raiders have a blitz rate of 26.0%, which is their second-lowest mark since Patrick Graham became the defensive coordinator in 2022, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Las Vegas also has a pressure rate of 27.4%, which ranks 30th in the NFL and is their lowest over the past four seasons. Outside of defensive end Maxx Crosby, the Raiders have struggled to attack opposing quarterbacks, which has been a key factor in the unit’s struggles. — Ryan McFadden
I think there are two major factors at play here to explain these numbers. One is Pete Carroll’s influence on the defense, as Carroll has never been known to dial up the heat and typically relies on the front four to get pressure. Two is just a general lack of talent on defense. The Raiders’ defensive backs and linebackers aren’t good enough to be consistently left on an island, and the team desperately needs another pass-rusher to step up and force offenses to account for someone other than Crosby. The latter is where the Christian Wilkins drama and Malcolm Koonce’s struggles to bounce back from the knee injury really hurt the team. Hopefully, that can get solved during the offseason.
32. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 31
Worst-case scenario: Pete Carroll goes out ugly
The Raiders’ 74-year-old head coach has been a breath of fresh air since returning to the NFL as the Seahawks’ head coach in 2010, but he could be out after this season. Las Vegas beat the Patriots in Week 1 but is minus-143 in scoring margin since then. The Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since 2002. — Josh Kendall and Chad Graff
It feels like this “worst-case scenario” could become reality in about a month. Recently, there have been a lot of rumors that Carroll is on the hot seat, and there aren’t many head coaches who keep their jobs when their team holds the top pick of the draft. And of course, there’s the whole rebuilding with a guy who turns 75 years old in September factor…
32. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 32
The day after literally inciting a miniature riot from conspiratorial problem gamblers who experienced one of the worst back door covers in recent history, Pete Carroll says he kicked a time-expiring field goal down 10 points because he was pleading with the official to give him more time. People will understand this, right?...
