The Las Vegas Raiders are grappling with a tough season, sitting at a disappointing 2-5 record after a humiliating shutout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. Star running back Ashton Jeanty didn’t mince words when addressing the team’s struggles, pointing to a deeper issue within the organization.
“I’ve lost before in my life, but I definitely don’t like losing,” Jeanty said. “It’s not something I work as hard as I do to do. I don’t think anybody else in this building does to lose like that. So if we’re being honest, it’s been a losing culture around here for a long time, but we have to continue to work to fix that and bring winning back here.”
Jeanty’s candid assessment rings true, as the Raiders have only managed two winning seasons since 2002. However, his comments didn’t sit well with former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who spent years battling the same challenges in Las Vegas. Speaking on the “Home Grown” podcast, Carr fired back, urging Jeanty to take action rather than dwell on the negativity.
“Yes, it has been hard there for a long time. Trust me, nobody knows more than me, big dog,” Carr said. “But the only people that can fix it are the ones in the building. You’ve got to set the culture, you’ve got to set the standard. We went to the playoffs two times, and it hadn’t happened in 20 years. … But instead of dwelling on it, I’m excited to see the young bat go run more violently than he’s ever ran. Pick up blitzes more violently with his hands than he ever has to push the team forward … because I believe in the Raiders, man.”
The Raiders’ struggles are nothing new. Over the years, countless coaches, players, and front office members have tried—and failed—to reverse the franchise’s fortunes. In a bold move, owner Mark Davis brought in NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority owner, hoping his winning pedigree could spark change. Brady played a key role in hiring Super Bowl-winning head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, both of whom were expected to bring stability and success. However, the early results have been underwhelming, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether this new leadership can break the cycle of disappointment.
For now, Davis appears committed to his current regime, with no major changes on the horizon. But the pressure is mounting, and the clock is ticking for the Raiders to show progress.
Despite high hopes for the season, the Raiders have fallen short of expectations, even with talent on the roster. Wide receiver Tre Tucker acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “Everybody knows we are not where we want to be. I think they have all the makings to be where we want to be. But obviously we’re not.”
The players are also taking a hard look at themselves in search of solutions. Safety Jeremy Chinn emphasized a proactive mindset, saying, “[We’re] hungry, looking for answers. I don’t think there’s anybody worried negatively. Guys are looking at ourselves in the mirror and trying to figure out what we can do differently.”
With the season still ongoing, the Raiders have time to salvage their campaign, but the window for a turnaround is closing fast. Jeanty’s comments and Carr’s fiery response highlight the frustration and urgency within the organization. Whether it’s through a shift in culture, standout performances, or strategic adjustments, the Raiders must find a way to channel their talent into wins. For now, the focus remains on the players and coaches in the building to rewrite the narrative and bring winning football back to Las Vegas.