The Silver & Black haven’t exactly lit up the NFL in recent years — unless we’re talking about Maxx Crosby lighting up opposing QBs.
But 2025? This season has real potential to be different. We’re not saying they’re winning the AFC West just yet (calm down, Chiefs fans), but the Raiders finally look like a team that knows what direction they’re headed.
Here’s why Football is Sexy again in Vegas.
Pete Carroll Brings the Vibes Back
When the Raiders hired Pete Carroll, it wasn’t just a splashy name — it was a culture shift. This is the same coach who turned a shaky Seahawks franchise into a perennial contender with one of the most iconic defenses of the 2010s. And let’s be honest, seeing Carroll back on the field, grinning at minicamp like it’s recess? That’s the energy Vegas needs. He’s not just chewing gum — he’s laying down a foundation.
John Spytek + Tom Brady = Front Office Firepower
New GM John Spytek brings a scouting background that Raiders fans should actually trust, and having Tom Brady quietly influencing decisions like the football version of Jay-Z in the owner’s suite? You better believe the bar is higher now. This front office isn’t just about big names — it’s about smart moves.
Roster Additions That Matter
- Geno Smith, reunited with Pete Carroll, brings veteran savvy and mobility to the QB spot. He’s not a savior, but he doesn’t have to be — he just needs to be steady.
- Ashton Jeanty, brings elite acceleration, reliable hands out of the backfield, and the kind of contact balance that turns broken plays into highlights.
- Brock Bowers, last year’s rookie sensation, is giving serious George Kittle vibes already. Dynamic, athletic, and tough to cover, Bowers could be the mismatch nightmare this offense needs.
- Let’s not forget some underrated free agency pickups and younger depth pieces who are already flashing in camp.
Offensive Line: A Work in Progress
Yes, the O-line was rough last year. No sugarcoating it. But there’s buzz around new coaching techniques, and if the unit can even be average in 2025, Geno and the run game get a serious bump.
Maxx Crosby: The Heart and Soul
There’s no Raiders culture reboot without #98. Maxx Crosby is fully bought in, and he’s not just saying the right things — he’s leading the charge. A defense with his motor and leadership as the anchor? That’s something to build around.
Defense Has Pieces — Now It Needs an Identity
This group doesn’t lack talent. What it lacks is stamina and consistency. If Carroll and his staff can bring discipline and creativity (maybe sprinkle in some of that Legion of Boom DNA?), they’ll be more than just a “bend but don’t break” unit.
The Reality Check
Let’s not pretend it’s all perfect.
- The offensive line still has to prove it can keep Geno upright.
- The defense has to find its rhythm before midseason.
- And the schedule? It’s brutal. The AFC is stacked, and Vegas is going to have to fight every single week.
