The Las Vegas Raiders faced a disappointing defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 3, 2023, losing 31-10. This matchup held special significance for Raiders coach Pete Carroll, as it marked a return to the city where he once elevated the University of Southern California (USC) football program to national prominence. During his tenure at USC, Carroll led the Trojans to two national championships and produced three Heisman Trophy winners, showcasing his ability to rebuild teams.
Despite their current dismal record of 2-10, Carroll remains optimistic, drawing parallels between the Raiders’ struggles and his early days at USC. Reflecting on the team’s performance after the loss, he stated, “Absolutely, and that’s why it’s so hard that we are not able to enjoy the hard work and the changes and the adjustments that we’ve made because it’s very similar.” Carroll emphasized the importance of teamwork, character, and a positive mentality in the path to recovery.
Carroll underscored that the atmosphere in the locker room gives him hope for a turnaround. “It feels like it’s just right there within our reach,” he said. “I can say that because of the mentality of the guys in the locker room. They continue to lead well, they continue to hang well, they continue to practice well, and respond to the challenges of it. That part of it is ok, we have to play better.”
Third-Down Struggles Plague Raiders
The Raiders’ inability to convert on third downs has been a persistent issue this season. Against the Chargers, Las Vegas managed to convert only 2 of 8 opportunities, severely impacting their ability to sustain drives. Quarterback Geno Smith acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We all just got to play better. I’ve got to play a lot better. I’ve got to be better for the guys. That’s really it. We’ve got to be more consistent.”
Compounding the offensive challenges, the Raiders’ defense struggled to contain the Chargers, allowing them to convert 12 of 17 third-down attempts. This inefficiency resulted in a significant disparity in time of possession, with Los Angeles holding the ball for 35:48 compared to Las Vegas’ 24:12. Carroll remarked on the overall performance, saying, “Third down was atrocious on both sides of the football. We couldn’t convert, and we couldn’t stop them to get out of there.”
As the season progresses, Carroll’s leadership and experience in rebuilding teams will be crucial for the Raiders. With a focus on establishing a strong foundation, he remains hopeful that the current challenges will eventually lead to success. The upcoming games will provide an opportunity for the Raiders to address their shortcomings and build on the progress that Carroll believes is being made behind the scenes.
