On the injury status of safety Lonnie Johnson Jr.:
“He’s really close. We had hoped if we really hit it right, that he would be back after the bye so we’ll see what happens in two weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed. He’s a guy that we really were excited about contributing on the defensive side.”
On what he expects the team to accomplish during bye week:
“The first thing is it gives us a chance to have two weeks to get three or four guys back out there, get some starters back out there. It should help. Brock [Bowers] should be ready to go, Jakobi [Meyers] I think he worked out in pregame, was close, he should be ready to go. Gives us a chance to get Maxx. Maxx was not full speed yesterday. He tried, did everything he could, and we had to get him out of there, but he’ll be better. So, that’s a real boost. I mean, those are three guys that are legitimate leader players on this football team that we need to get back out there. So, hopefully that that will take place. Big self-scouting opportunity for us, big chance to make sure that we know what our opponents are seeing, and to tweak and adjust and be creative with how we do that. That’s what this time is always for.”
The Raiders’ 2025 campaign has been a riddle wrapped in potential. They’ve shown glimpses of brilliance — an aggressive defense, improved offensive line play, and moments of chemistry between O’Connell and Adams. Yet, for every highlight, there’s been heartbreak: fourth-quarter turnovers, blown leads, and drives that stalled at the worst times.
Carroll, in his trademark mix of positivity and accountability, has refused to shift blame. “That’s on me,” he said after their most recent loss. “We’ve got to coach better. We’ve got to finish drives. That’s all part of growing.”
Fans have appreciated his candor, even if it comes with hard truths. The Raiders’ social media pages, once buzzing with frustration, now reflect cautious optimism. “At least he’s owning it,” one fan commented. “We finally have a coach who doesn’t hide behind excuses.”
The Carroll Philosophy
For all the chaos, Carroll’s leadership remains rooted in belief. He’s long preached a mantra that football mirrors life — resilience, adaptability, and joy even in adversity. It’s the same energy that once built a dynasty in Seattle, and it’s what he’s now trying to ignite in Vegas.
“Pete doesn’t yell,” said tight end Michael Mayer. “He challenges you. He looks you in the eye and reminds you why you play this game.”
That personal touch is exactly what owner Mark Davis envisioned when he hired the 73-year-old coach in what some called a “bold experiment.” Davis wanted a culture shift — a move from tension to trust, from survival to growth. Carroll’s influence is slowly turning the locker room into a place of belief again.
The Turning Point
In Week 6, something shifted. After a narrow defeat that left the locker room visibly deflated, Carroll gathered the team at midfield for a spontaneous huddle. No cameras, no media. Just words.
“Don’t lose faith,” he told them. “We’re close. We’re right there.”
According to several players, that speech hit different. “It wasn’t coach-speak,” said running back Zamir White. “He believed it. And when a man like Pete believes in you, you start believing too.”
The days that followed saw a renewed sense of purpose. Practices became more intense. Film sessions more detailed. Carroll and his staff emphasized fundamentals — tackling angles, blocking technique, clock management. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was essential.
Healing and Hard Truths
The bye week came at the perfect time. The team needed rest, but more importantly, perspective. “You learn a lot in struggle,” Carroll said. “You learn what matters — the unity, the fight, the details that win games.”
Behind closed doors, the coaching staff is re-evaluating offensive play-calling under coordinator Luke Getsy, particularly the conservative red-zone approach that’s cost them points. Carroll has been vocal about opening up the playbook, giving O’Connell more freedom to improvise.
“We’ve got to trust our guys to make plays,” he said. “That’s what this game is about.”
Players like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers have echoed that sentiment publicly. “We’ve got to execute,” Adams said. “No one’s pointing fingers. We just want to win.”
The Emotional Undercurrent
Beyond tactics lies the emotional heartbeat of this team. For every disappointment, there’s been resilience. For every doubt, belief. Raiders Nation — the ever-loyal, ever-passionate fanbase — continues to rally behind its team.
On social media, fans post messages of defiance: “We’ve been through worse. We’ll rise again.” In Las Vegas bars, black-and-silver flags hang proudly, even after losses.
Carroll’s connection to the fans hasn’t gone unnoticed. “He gets us,” said local season ticket holder Jordan Marks. “He doesn’t hide. He walks right up to fans, shakes hands, and talks football. That matters.”
Eyes on the Future
As the Raiders rest and regroup, the road ahead remains daunting — showdowns with AFC heavyweights like Kansas City and Miami await. But Carroll, ever the optimist, sees opportunity in challenge.
“These are the weeks that define who you are,” he said. “Every play, every drive — it’s a chance to rewrite the story.”
For young players like cornerback Jakorian Bennett and linebacker Amari Burney, this bye week doubles as a mental reset. “Coach told us to rest our bodies but not our minds,” Bennett said. “We’re still hungry.”
The Raiders’ locker room may not be perfect, but it’s united — and that’s something Carroll believes can’t be coached, only built.
The Final Word
As the team heads into a rare quiet weekend, Carroll remains steady — not celebrating, not lamenting, but believing. “We’re building something,” he said softly. “And it’s worth it.”
He looked around the facility, where equipment staff packed up cleats and helmets, where laughter began to return after a grueling stretch. The Raiders are bruised but not broken — and under Pete Carroll, they’re learning that growth rarely comes easy.
Because in the NFL, as in life, it’s not how you start. It’s how you respond when the noise fades, and all that’s left is belief.
