As training camps get going across the NFL, there’s fresh optimism for every team, and the Las Vegas Raiders are not left out. They have stepped into a new era under the leadership of their newly appointed head coach, Pete Carroll, and expectations are shifting.
Carroll, known for his energetic and uplifting personality, brings a spirit that fits perfectly with what the Raiders are hoping to build. After finishing last season with a 4–13 record, most people outside the team do not expect much. But Carroll isn’t letting those outside opinions shape his mindset in any way.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday as the Raiders prepared to begin camp, Carroll made his vision very clear. According to what was shared on NFL.com, he expects this group to be among the most competitive during the season.
“We are going to win a bunch of games,” Carroll said with confidence. “I can’t even imagine anything else. I’ve been winning 10 games a year for 20 years or something. I mean, what are my expectations? We are going to win a bunch, and I don’t care who hears that.
“It ain’t about what anybody hears. It’s about what we do, and so that’s why expectations are high. The standards need to be set so that the expectations can be met. We’ll see what happens.”
His focus is to raise the level of ambition within the franchise and push for results that match that ambition. Since 2002, the Raiders have only made it to the playoffs two times and were knocked out in the Wild Card round both times. Carroll’s goal is to change that pattern.
This offseason, several player additions were made to improve the roster. The Raiders brought in quarterback Geno Smith through a trade and picked Ashton Jeanty in the draft to strengthen the running game.
But Carroll has emphasized that success doesn’t only come from player additions. He believes the energy, focus, and mindset within the building are just as important. He’s committed to creating that change.
The path ahead may present challenges, but Carroll intends to guide this team and place them in the mix of the league’s strongest once again.
Carroll to Use Multiple Backs to Strengthen Running Game
Running the ball has always been a priority for Pete Carroll, and with the Raiders selecting Ashton Jeanty as the sixth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, many assumed he would immediately become the lead running back. However, Carroll’s approach leans more towards sharing responsibilities among several players in that position.
Even with Jeanty as a top draft pick, Carroll still favors spreading the workload among a group of capable backs. The team brought in veteran Raheem Mostert during free agency and will also be counting on Sincere McCormick and Zamir White, who are returning to the team.
This strategy is familiar to those who have followed Carroll’s career. Instead of overloading one back, he prefers having multiple running options available, which helps keep players fresh and unpredictable to defenses.
With these four names in the mix, the Raiders could develop a balanced and effective rushing attack that matches Carroll’s preferred style of play.
