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Ryan McFadden
LAS VEGAS — Raiders gamers’ displeasure concerning the discuss of tanking hovering over the group intensified after a 34-10 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday.
Although the workforce’s likelihood of securing the No. 1 choose in subsequent yr’s NFL draft moved to 80% after the loss, in response to ESPN Analytics, that was the very last thing on some gamers’ minds after a tenth straight defeat dropped the Raiders to 2-14.
“I hate that is what individuals are saying or considering,” Raiders defensive deal with Jonah Laulu mentioned. “We’re not making an attempt to lose. I am making an attempt to exit and do my greatest as a result of I do not know if I’ll be right here subsequent yr.”
Earlier than Sunday’s recreation, the group seemed to be centered on the long run. It positioned tight finish Brock Bowers, security Jeremy Chinn and defensive finish Maxx Crosby on injured reserve. Crosby, who is expected to need knee surgery, left the ability Friday after he was knowledgeable of the workforce’s choice.
Crosby mentioned earlier than the Raiders shut him down that he did not care in regards to the No. 1 choose; his focus was on enjoying at his greatest and serving to the workforce.
Cornerback Eric Stokes, one of many Raiders’ few vibrant spots on protection, mentioned Sunday he agreed with Crosby.
“If y’all are attempting to tank, do not throw it my approach then,” Stokes instructed ESPN. “The identical factor Maxx mentioned, I am making an attempt to be the perfect individual I may be. If anyone is making an attempt to tank, y’all would possibly as nicely take me out, too.”
Nonetheless, gamers acknowledge the present state of the workforce and the way having the No. 1 choose might assist put it in the suitable route.
“We have plenty of younger guys which might be actually good,” Raiders broad receiver Tre Tucker mentioned. “… We’re tremendous shut however far-off on the similar time.”
The Raiders will safe the No. 1 choose with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs subsequent weekend, a recreation by which Las Vegas beginning quarterback Geno Smith is unlikely to play. He suffered a excessive ankle sprain on the 12:41 mark of the fourth quarter after throwing his second interception and was instantly taken to the locker room. Backup Kenny Pickett performed the remainder of the sport.
Raiders coach Pete Carroll mentioned Smith may have an MRI on Monday, however did not sound assured within the 35-year-old’s availability for the Week 18 contest.
“That is fairly arduous to bounce again [from],” Carroll mentioned.
Smith accomplished 20 of 28 passes for 176 yards and a landing in opposition to the Giants. The 2 interceptions elevated his 2025 complete to 17 — his most in a season since he recorded 21 as a rookie for the New York Jets in 2013.
Carroll, in the meantime, mentioned he nonetheless believes that he has help from possession, even amid the worst season of his head teaching profession.
“From all the fellows I’ve talked to, I do really feel like I’ve their help,” Carroll mentioned. “What does that imply? I do not know, however our conversations have been actually good.”
Carroll, nevertheless, didn’t touch upon whether or not these conversations with possession have given him confidence that he’ll return to Las Vegas for a second season. He signed a three-year take care of a fourth-year workforce possibility final January after a yr away from soccer, following his 14-year tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.
“We’re getting alongside nice. We’re speaking rather well,” Carroll mentioned.
