LAS VEGAS — Raiders Players' dissatisfaction with talk of tanking looming over the organization intensified after lost 34-10 To New York Giants on Sunday.
While the team's chances of landing the No. 1 pick in next year's NFL Draft rose to 80 percent after the loss, it was the last thing on some players' minds after the loss dropped the Raiders to 2-14, according to ESPN Analytics.
“I hate what people say or think,” Raiders defensive tackle. Jorf Ars said. “We're not trying to lose. “I’m trying to go out and do my best because I don’t know if I’ll be here next year.”
Before Sunday's game, the organization seemed focused on the future. That put a blunt end Brock Bowerssafety Jeremy Chinn and defensive end Max Crosby on injured reserve. Crosby, who is expected to need knee surgeryleft the facility on Friday after being informed of the team's decision.
Before the Raiders cut him, Crosby said he wasn't worried about the No. 1 overall pick; his focus was on playing his best and helping the team.
Cornerback Eric Stokesone of the Raiders' few bright spots on defense, said Sunday he agrees with Crosby.
“If y'all are trying to tank, don't throw it my way,” Stokes told ESPN. “The same thing Max said: I try to be the best person I can be. If someone is trying to tank, you might as well take me out.”
However, players are aware of the team's current state and how the No. 1 pick can help steer it in the right direction.
“We have a lot of young guys that are really good,” Raiders wide receiver. Tre Tucker said. “…We are very close, but at the same time far away.”
The Raiders will get the No. 1 seed by losing. Kansas City Chiefs next weekend is a game in which Las Vegas' starting quarterback Geno Smith unlikely to play. At the 12:41 mark of the fourth quarter, he suffered a high ankle sprain after his second interception and was immediately taken to the locker room. Backup Kenny Pickett played out the rest of the game.
Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Smith would undergo an MRI on Monday but was not confident the 35-year-old would be ready to compete in Week 18.
“It’s very difficult to bounce back [from]'' Carroll said.
Smith completed 20 of 28 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown against the Giants. Those two interceptions raised his 2025 total to 17, his best in a season since he recorded 21 as a rookie with the team. New York Jets in 2013.
Carroll, meanwhile, said he still believes he has the support of the owners despite the worst season of his coaching career.
“Out of all the guys I've talked to, I feel like I have their support,” Carroll said. “What does it mean? I don't know, but our conversations were really good.”
Carroll, however, did not comment on whether those conversations with the owners gave him confidence to return to Las Vegas for a second season. He signed a three-year, fourth-year contract with the team in January last year after a year away from football following a 14-year stint with the team. Seattle Seahawks.
“We get along great. We communicate very well,” Carroll said.
