Carroll Defends Offensive Approach as Raiders’ Struggles Continue in Loss to Cowboys

The Las Vegas Raiders endured another punishing defeat under the Monday Night Football spotlight, and frustrations surfaced around both performance and personnel choices. In a game where little went right, one of the lingering questions concerned the limited involvement of rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. Despite being touted as one of the team’s most explosive offensive threats, he rarely touched the ball.

The issue was raised in the aftermath of Las Vegas’ 33–16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but head coach Pete Carroll quickly shut down criticism. Carroll made clear that he is unmoved by public opinion, defending both his game plan and his confidence in offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s direction. For Carroll, the focus remains on execution, not appeasing outside voices.

The veteran coach also pushed back against suggestions that the Raiders should devote more resources toward player development given their record. Carroll insisted that every decision is made with the goal of winning in the moment, even as the team sits near the bottom of the league standings.

While Jeanty handled the situation with poise and perspective, the questions about Las Vegas’ offensive identity—and the direction of its season—only grew louder as the team dropped to 2–8 with little optimism remaining.

1. Carroll Stands Firm on Offensive Philosophy

Carroll’s postgame comments made it clear he is not budging on his approach. When asked about the balance between run and pass calls, especially with a dynamic runner like Jeanty underused, he brushed aside the criticism. According to NBC Sports, Carroll emphasized that he will not make decisions based on public perception. “I don’t really care about pleasing people with our run-pass mix,” Carroll said. “I just want to move the football.” His remarks underscored his trust in Chip Kelly, who was hired to modernize the offense but has faced scrutiny during the team’s continued struggles. Carroll also dismissed the idea that the Raiders should prioritize developing young players at this stage of a difficult season. He offered no commitment to increasing Jeanty’s workload or building toward the future, instead framing each game as a standalone effort. “That’s your guys’ way of thinking,” Carroll said. “Our thinking is we’re trying to win games.” The comment reflected a coach still focused on weekly outcomes, even as the losses mount and the long-term picture remains murky.

2. A Blowout Loss Adds Pressure

The defeat itself presented few silver linings. Dallas overwhelmed Las Vegas early, controlling both tempo and field position while building a comfortable halftime lead. The Raiders never recovered, and their offensive rhythm sputtered throughout the night. In that context, Jeanty’s usage became even more puzzling. Despite being known for his speed and big-play ability, he logged just six carries—barely more than quarterback Geno Smith’s four rushing attempts. The imbalance contributed to an offense that struggled to stay on schedule and sustain drives. Carroll admitted he anticipated a stronger performance from his defense, which failed to contain Dallas’ attack. “I was really disappointed we couldn’t stop them more,” he said. “It was a very difficult night for us. Sorry about it. I feel bad.” His apologies, however, did little to quiet concerns about the team’s trajectory. Sitting at 2–8, the Raiders have virtually no path back into the playoff picture. Winning games at this stage may only hurt their draft positioning for 2026, leaving frustration among fans who believe the franchise should pivot toward young player development.

3. Jeanty Maintains Composure Amid Limited Role

Amid the questions surrounding his usage, Jeanty responded with patience and professionalism. Speaking after the game, he avoided criticism of the coaching staff and emphasized his commitment to controlling what he can. “I don’t call the plays… that’s up to the guys upstairs,” Jeanty said in a team media session. “So I just take whatever I get.” His comments reflected a player unwilling to stoke controversy despite a season that has not matched expectations. Jeanty spoke about perseverance and faith, noting that his role may evolve with time but that he remains focused on finishing the season strong. “Obviously, it’s not going the way I want it to,” he said. “But it’s already written… I just got to continue to keep going.” His measured response stood in contrast to the scrutiny surrounding the coaching staff. With the Raiders’ season effectively lost, Jeanty’s optimism and maturity offer at least one positive for a franchise searching for stability. Looking ahead, how the Raiders handle Jeanty’s development may say more about their long-term outlook than Carroll’s weekly assurances.