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Pete Carroll Breaks Silence to Fault Raiders' Roster Moves and Own Coaching in 2025 Collapse

In an ESPN interview, the fired coach linked Geno Smith's slump to protection issues he says the team never fixed.

Overview

  • Carroll said the Raiders failed to upgrade the offensive line in the draft or free agency, calling the protection issues decisive in the offense breaking down.
  • He also took responsibility for not preparing Geno Smith well enough after a strong offseason and preseason together.
  • The Raiders led the NFL in sacks allowed as Smith led the league with 17 interceptions and won two games as a starter, underscoring the broader offensive struggles.
  • Las Vegas finished 3-14, dismissed Carroll after the season, and had already fired its offensive coordinator after 11 games.
  • Following the season, the Raiders traded Smith to the Jets for a 2026 sixth-round pick, and reporting noted two third-round offensive linemen were used late in the year.