LAS VEGAS — Pete Carroll has been around long enough to know that uncertainty at quarterback can wreck a defensive game plan. That’s why when the Las Vegas Raiders coach addressed the media this week, he didn’t blink at the question of whether Washington signal-caller Jayden Daniels will actually play.
“We have to prepare for him playing, and the bet is probably that he will,” Carroll said. “They might not practice him until later in the week, but we’re going to count him going.”
That’s the classic Carroll approach: assume the opponent’s biggest threat is ready, regardless of what the injury report says. The intriguing aspect of this matchup is the presence of Marcus Mariota. The veteran backup has significant history with the Raiders, having served as Derek Carr’s safety net from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, Carroll mentioned his coaching staff’s familiarity with Mariota, which adds another layer of advantage.
“We’ve already [talked] about Marcus playing in place of him,” Carroll noted. “We have a lot of background about Marcus on the staff … so we know what his capabilities are.”
Translation: Carroll’s defense is scheming for Daniels’ electric playmaking while also dusting off old notes on Mariota’s legs and improvisation. In today’s NFL, this presents a significant challenge. While preparing for a single mobile quarterback can be challenging, preparing for two can quickly turn into a daunting task.
Carroll didn’t go so far as to plan for a third option, waving off the idea with a smile. “We’re basically counting on the two guys,” he said.
That two-man preparation is sufficient to transform Sunday into a strategic chess match. Whether it’s the Daniels or the seasoned Mariota, Carroll’s defense must be prepared. When you attempt to anticipate every possibility, the only remaining concern is the unexpected surprise that catches you off guard.
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*Top Photo: Associated Press