Raiders at 2-11: Frustration Boils Over as Richie Incognito Calls Out Coaching Decisions
The Las Vegas Raiders are sitting at 2-11, and while injuries have certainly played a role, this season’s collapse feels more self-inflicted than anything else. From questionable quarterback decisions to head-scratching personnel management, the pairing of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll has been at the center of it all - and Raider Nation isn’t the only one noticing.
Former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Richie Incognito, never one to bite his tongue, has been vocal about the team’s direction throughout the season. And after Week 14’s loss to the Denver Broncos, he made it clear once again: he’s not impressed with how things are being run in Las Vegas.
Kenny Pickett Shows Life, Incognito Takes Notice
Despite the loss, there was a silver lining for the Raiders - and it came in the form of backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. The young QB put together a solid performance against Denver, sparking a bit of optimism in what’s been a bleak season. Incognito wasted no time jumping on the moment, posting “Kenny Pickett szn” in support of the second-year quarterback.
That sentiment echoed what fans have been saying for weeks. Calls for a quarterback change started early in the season as Geno Smith struggled to find rhythm and consistency.
High turnover rates, missed reads, and a lack of production have plagued the veteran all year. But with Pete Carroll standing firmly behind him, change always felt unlikely - until injuries forced the coaching staff’s hand.
Caleb Rogers’ Rise - and the Coaching Missteps That Delayed It
Perhaps the most frustrating storyline for Raiders fans has been the handling of rookie talent. Injuries on the offensive line finally opened the door for third-round pick Caleb Rogers to get meaningful snaps - and he made the most of them.
Rogers turned in a standout performance against the Broncos, holding his own in pass protection and showing the kind of poise you want to see in a young interior lineman. But here’s the kicker: Rogers wasn’t supposed to play. In fact, just a few weeks ago, a report surfaced claiming that Rogers had performed so poorly in practice that it would be unfair to his teammates to put him in a game.
That narrative didn’t sit well with Incognito, who responded to a fan post highlighting Rogers’ strong performance with a sarcastic jab: “had a bad practice,” complete with air quotes. It was a not-so-subtle shot at the coaching staff for keeping Rogers on the bench for so long - a decision that now looks even more questionable.
Rogers had reportedly been told he would start earlier in the year, only to be made a healthy scratch. He was passed over multiple times despite injuries piling up on the interior line. But when he finally got his chance, he didn’t just hold his own - he made a statement.
Incognito Speaks for the Fans - and He’s Not Holding Back
Incognito’s frustration mirrors what Raider Nation has been feeling all season. The former Raider, who played for the team in both Oakland and Las Vegas, has taken aim at several figures within the organization, including Chip Kelly and Brennan Carroll. His criticism hasn’t been vague - it’s been direct and pointed, especially when it comes to the coaching staff’s personnel decisions.
And while fans have been vocal all year, there’s something about hearing it from a former player - especially one who understands the trenches like Incognito does - that adds weight to the criticism. When a guy who’s been in the locker room is calling out the same issues fans have been screaming about for months, it hits differently.
A Quarter of the Season Left - But the Damage Is Done
With four games still to play, the Raiders have little left to salvage beyond pride and player development. And that’s where the focus should shift - giving young players like Pickett and Rogers meaningful reps and evaluating who can be part of the solution moving forward.
But that requires a willingness to pivot, and so far, that’s been in short supply from this coaching staff. The reluctance to play rookies, the insistence on sticking with struggling veterans, and the overall lack of adaptability have cost the Raiders dearly this season.
The fans know it. Incognito knows it. And now, with the season nearly over, the front office will need to decide whether they’re willing to admit it - and make the changes necessary to right the ship.
Because if this year has proven anything, it’s that sticking to the current formula isn’t just failing - it’s actively holding the team back.