The Las Vegas Raiders are sitting at 2-10, and while that record tells part of the story, it’s the internal tug-of-war behind the scenes that’s really defining their season. There’s a disconnect at the heart of the organization - and it’s not just about wins and losses. It’s about vision, direction, and what this team is trying to be, both now and in the seasons to come.
Head coach Pete Carroll, a proven winner with a championship pedigree, is still coaching like there’s something on the line. That competitive fire is part of what made him successful in Seattle, but in Vegas, it’s creating friction.
Carroll wants to win games - and you get why. He’s coaching for his job.
But general manager John Spytek was brought in with a different mission: build this roster through the draft, develop young talent, and lay the foundation for something sustainable.
Right now, those two agendas are pulling in opposite directions.
Take running back Ashton Jeanty. He was supposed to be one of the bright spots in this rookie class, but behind a makeshift offensive line that’s been riddled with injuries and inconsistency, he hasn’t had much of a chance to show what he can do. The holes just aren’t there, and until the line gets healthy or gets help, it’s hard to fairly evaluate what Jeanty brings to the table.
Then there’s Jack Bech, the second-round pick out of TCU. He’s a Spytek guy - a receiver with upside, physicality, and potential.
But instead of getting meaningful reps, he’s watching veteran Tyler Lockett take snaps. Lockett, who thrived under Carroll in Seattle, is clearly past his prime.
Yet Carroll keeps leaning on him, perhaps out of familiarity or trust, while a young player like Bech waits for his shot.
This isn’t just about two players. There are several rookies and young contributors who should be seeing the field more often - and some are.
But when they do, it’s often in less-than-ideal circumstances. They’re being thrown into the fire without much support, and while that kind of trial-by-combat can pay dividends down the road, it’s hard to see the long-term benefit when the coaching situation feels like it’s on borrowed time.
The fan base sees it too. Spend a few minutes on any Raiders forum, and the frustration is loud and clear.
Fans want to see the youth movement. They want to know what this team is building toward.
Instead, they’re watching a coach chase wins that aren’t likely to come, while the future sits on the bench.
At this point, the ball is in owner Mark Davis’ court. The Raiders need direction - not just in the locker room, but from the top down.
Carroll was supposed to bring a winning culture, but the results haven’t followed. And more importantly, the plan hasn’t been clear.
If the goal is to develop this roster through the draft, then it’s time to let Spytek’s picks play. If the goal is to win now, then there needs to be a real, actionable plan for how that’s going to happen - not just tweaks to the coaching staff.
One thing’s certain: the status quo isn’t working. Davis has to choose a lane.
Either empower the GM to build for the future, or back the coach and try to salvage something in the present. But trying to do both - chasing wins while stalling development - is a formula that’s only led to more losses and more questions.
In a season already lost in the standings, clarity might be the most valuable thing the Raiders can gain.