Despite typically showing fight at Arrowhead Stadium, the Las Vegas Raiders delivered another dud in Kansas City. The offense sputtered, the defense had no answers for Patrick Mahomes, and Rashee Rice turned the matchup into his homecoming showcase—torching Las Vegas for seven catches and two touchdowns.
It was a brutal showing, though not the Raiders’ worst of 2025. With the bye week arriving, it’s time for a hard look at where this season stands.
Coaching has to change after these failures…
Something in the Raiders’ coaching message isn’t landing. The defensive line looked lost, the offense was plagued by penalties, and another scapegoat could soon emerge. A year ago, Las Vegas fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy in November. This time, could Chip Kelly be next?
The coaching carousel in Sin City might be in motion once more. Head coach Pete Carroll dedicated the offseason to assuring fans of a successful season, even highlighting his track record of 10-win seasons. At this point, however, the Raiders would be lucky to achieve even half that total.
Is there any positive outlook? Change is coming—and it’s likely to start on the sidelines.
Speaking of change…
The Raiders will make a trade…
Trade rumors continue to swirl around wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who’s in the final year of his three-year, $33 million deal—and enduring his least productive season in Las Vegas. The dip isn’t on Meyers, though; this offense has shown little ability to feature a true No. 1 receiver.
He’s not alone in underperforming. Former first-round pick Tyree Wilson has yet to justify the investment, and rookie lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson—despite being one of the team’s most talented blockers—still finds himself fighting for consistent snaps.
A change may not sit well with Raider Nation, but as the deadline approaches, it seems inevitable that someone will be traded. This could potentially initiate a youth movement of sorts.
Let the young guys play…
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said during his press conference Tuesday that the bye week will be used to evaluate younger players—hinting that rookies could see increased snaps moving forward.
“It’s a chance to look at some young guys, give them a better shot,” Carroll said. “A better chance to show where they fit or how far they’ve come.”
Las Vegas’ 2025 draft class was built around developmental prospects, but several—including Tonka Hemingway, J.J. Pegues, and Caleb Rogers—have been regular inactives on gameday. With both lines struggling and the losses piling up, giving rookies live reps seems like the logical next step.
Significant change appears to be on the horizon in Las Vegas.
Related: Have The Raiders Lost All Faith In Geno Smith?
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann