LAS VEGAS — Raiders gamers’ displeasure relating to the speak of tanking hovering over the group intensified after a 34-10 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday.
Although the crew’s likelihood of securing the No. 1 choose in subsequent 12 months’s NFL draft moved to 80% after the loss, based on 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 persons are saying or considering,” Raiders defensive deal with Jonah Laulu stated. “We’re not attempting to lose. I am attempting to exit and do my greatest as a result of I do not know if I’ll be right here subsequent 12 months.”
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Earlier than Sunday’s recreation, the group gave the impression 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 predicted to wish knee surgical procedure, left the ability Friday after he was knowledgeable of the crew’s resolution.
Crosby stated 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 crew.
Cornerback Eric Stokes, one of many Raiders’ few vibrant spots on protection, stated Sunday he agreed with Crosby.
“If y’all try to tank, do not throw it my means then,” Stokes instructed ESPN. “The identical factor Maxx stated, I am attempting to be the most effective particular person I could be. If anyone is attempting to tank, y’all may as properly take me out, too.”
Nonetheless, gamers acknowledge the present state of the crew and the way having the No. 1 choose may assist put it in the best path.
“We have got a whole lot of younger guys which might be actually good,” Raiders vast receiver Tre Tucker stated. “… We’re tremendous shut however distant on the identical time.”
The Raiders will safe the No. 1 choose with a loss to the Kansas Metropolis 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 stated Smith can 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 onerous to bounce again [from],” Carroll stated.
Smith accomplished 20 of 28 passes for 176 yards and a landing in opposition to the Giants. The 2 interceptions elevated his 2025 whole 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, stated he nonetheless believes that he has help from possession, even amid the worst season of his head teaching profession.
“From all the blokes I’ve talked to, I do really feel like I’ve their help,” Carroll stated. “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 cope with a fourth-year crew possibility final January after a 12 months away from soccer, following his 14-year tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.
“We’re getting alongside nice. We’re speaking rather well,” Carroll stated.
