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12/29 18:52 CST Raiders' personnel decisions last week are potentially
long-term benefits
Raiders' personnel decisions last week are potentially long-term benefits
By MARK ANDERSON
AP Sports Writer
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) --- The Raiders' decisions last week to shut down Maxx
Crosby, Brock Bowers and Jeremy Chinn with two games remaining in Las Vegas'
season could pay off with potentially franchise-changing benefits.
While sitting those players weakened an already depleted roster --- the Raiders
were blown out 34-10 by the woeful New York Giants on Sunday --- they are in
position to get the top pick in next year's NFL draft. It's a slot the Raiders
will lock up if they lose at home to Kansas City on Sunday.
Given the Raiders haven't had a championship-level quarterback since Rich
Gannon took the franchise to the Super Bowl in the 2002 season, getting that
top pick is crucial. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at this point looks
like the selection, but Dante Moore also could be considered. Both quarterbacks
could decide to stay in college another year as well, or the Raiders could
trade down for additional assets to address their many needs.
Regardless, having the top selection would give Las Vegas options. The Raiders
also will be flush with salary cap space, their $105 million in spending money
second in the NFL, according to overthecap.com.
That would be a lot of capital for general manager John Spytek to work with,
and whether rebuilding decisions will be made with coach Pete Carroll still in
charge remains to be seen. Carroll said he has support of management, but there
are indications they aren't completely aligned.
Much of the roster was formed or at least influenced by Carroll, who brought in
players he coached in Seattle such as Geno Smith, Jamal Adams and Tyler
Lockett. He talked openly and confidently before the season about the Raiders
reaching double-digit victories.
Being at the bottom with a 2-14 record is not Carroll envisioned. He has
acknowledged several times he was even blind-sided by the avalanche of losses.
He especially hated shutting down Crosby, the heart and soul of not only the
Raiders' defense, but their entire team. Crosby isn't known for going half
speed in anything and was miffed the Raiders chose to sit him, so he left the
facility in protest on Friday. He later posted videos of him shooting a
basketball and jumping on a trampoline.
Carroll said he had positive text exchanges with Crosby, and the star pass
rusher was back in the building Monday.
"We're eye to eye on what's going on," Carroll said.
Carroll, of course, is on the same wavelength with Crosby when it comes to
wanting to win now and has demonstrated that by mostly sticking with veterans.
But now the Raiders can truly look to the future after just one more game.
What's working See above. There's a reason why the Raiders have the league's worst record. Now maybe they can get something out of it.
What needs help Also see above. There are holes everywhere and in every area --- offense, defense and special teams. Las Vegas is more than a key piece or two from even being competitive.
Stock up TE Michael Mayer. He played his best game and looked like the player the Raiders traded up in 2023 to take early in the second round. He set career highs with nine catches for 89 yards, taking advantage of the extra opportunities with Bowers not being on the field. Maybe the Raiders can find ways next season to involve Mayer and Bowers in the passing game at the same time.
Stock down Special teams again was an issue. Right after the Raiders showed some life to cut the Giants' lead to 20-10 in the third quarter, they gave up a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. It was Las Vegas' third special teams TD allowed this season, tied with Cleveland for most in the league.
Injuries Smith does not have a high ankle sprain as originally believed, but the ankle is injured enough that it's doubtful he will play. ... DT Adam Butler (bicep) wasn't as seriously hurt as feared and could play. ... LT Kolton Miller (ankle) likely won't play.
Key number 74.9 --- The number of yards rushing the Raiders average per game, last in the NFL. They also were last in 2024, finishing with a 79.8 average, and used the sixth pick of the draft to take RB Ashton Jeanty.
Next steps The Raiders end their season by hosting the Chiefs on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
What's working See above. There's a reason why the Raiders have the league's worst record. Now maybe they can get something out of it.
What needs help Also see above. There are holes everywhere and in every area --- offense, defense and special teams. Las Vegas is more than a key piece or two from even being competitive.
Stock up TE Michael Mayer. He played his best game and looked like the player the Raiders traded up in 2023 to take early in the second round. He set career highs with nine catches for 89 yards, taking advantage of the extra opportunities with Bowers not being on the field. Maybe the Raiders can find ways next season to involve Mayer and Bowers in the passing game at the same time.
Stock down Special teams again was an issue. Right after the Raiders showed some life to cut the Giants' lead to 20-10 in the third quarter, they gave up a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. It was Las Vegas' third special teams TD allowed this season, tied with Cleveland for most in the league.
Injuries Smith does not have a high ankle sprain as originally believed, but the ankle is injured enough that it's doubtful he will play. ... DT Adam Butler (bicep) wasn't as seriously hurt as feared and could play. ... LT Kolton Miller (ankle) likely won't play.
Key number 74.9 --- The number of yards rushing the Raiders average per game, last in the NFL. They also were last in 2024, finishing with a 79.8 average, and used the sixth pick of the draft to take RB Ashton Jeanty.
Next steps The Raiders end their season by hosting the Chiefs on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
