We’re basically a quarter into the 2025 NFL season (this 17-game thing messes with the math), so let’s take a quick review of the 1-3 Raiders and where they stand with three quarters of the season remaining.
Quick summary of the first quarter:
It’s been pretty disappointing The Raiders haven’t competed consistently under new coach Pete Carroll and they’ve made a lot of mistakes, especially on offense where they were expected to better.
Offensive MVP:
Brock Bowers. He’s the best player on the unit. He has been playing hurt since Week 1, so his numbers are down a bit. But he is still a monster and a major difference maker.
Defensive MVP:
Maxx Crosby. The seven-year star pass-rusher keepings getting better and better. He played out of his mind against Chicago on Sunday, prompting Bears’ second-year quarterback Caleb Williams to say Crosby is the best player he’s faced in the NFL. Crosby, 28, is a factor every week.
Rookie of the quarter:
Ashton Jeanty. It was a slow start for Jeanty, but the No. 6 overall pick had a breakout game against Chicago with 138 yards rushing and three touchdowns (one rushing and two receiving). As long he gets blocking, Jeanty will his tackle-breaking thing.
Best surprise:
The defense. It hasn’t been perfect, but it has better than expected. The Las Vegas defense kept the team in the game against the Bears despite the offense committing four turnovers all in Las Vegas territory. As long as this defense doesn’t wear down, it can help the team.
Worst surprise:
After a strong performance in a Week 1 win at New England, quarterback Geno Smith has been a mess. He has thrown seven interceptions, which leads the NFL. Six of his picks have bene thrown at home. When he was acquired from Seattle, Smith, who reunited with Carroll, was supposed to be an accurate, good-decision making quarterback that the Raiders have been missing in recent seasons. Yet, he’s been awful, for the most part, and that’s bitterly disappointing to the fan base.
Bold prediction for next quarter:
The Raiders’ next four opponents are at Indianapolis Colts (3-1), Tennessee Titans (0-4) at home, at the Kansas City Chiefs (2-2), and then, after their bye, the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) at home. The Raiders will beat the Tians and find a way to win one of the three teams to go to 3-5 at the midway point.
