Why the Raiders Can’t Change Their Results—Even With a New Play Caller

The Las Vegas Raiders (2-10) traveled to Los Angeles with a new play caller and a fresh approach. However, in Week 13, the same Silver and Black roster produced the same disappointing results, suffering a 31-14 loss to the Chargers (8-4).

Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) talks with head coach Pete Carroll and quarterbacks coach Greg Olsen in a game against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders (2-10) traveled to Los Angeles with a new play caller and a fresh approach. However, in Week 13, the same Silver and Black roster produced the same disappointing results, suffering a 31-14 loss to the Chargers (8-4).

For a franchise that has adopted the motto “Just Win, Baby,” it truly paints a picture of mediocrity that has engulfed the franchise, as the fan base can celebrate a New York Jets loss, thus moving them up the 2026 NFL Draft order. That isn't music to the ears of a win-now coach like Pete Carroll.

Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll before the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Our latest episode of the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast offers a compelling and frank discussion of the game and how to process it.

Watch the Entire Podcast Below:

The Numbers Don’t Lie

New play caller Greg Olson did try to mix some things up.  Rookie guard Caleb Rogers got his first start, and Olson attempted to do some new things, but in the end, a holiday-filled National Football League week thirteen couldn’t overturn the roster, nor avail extra hours of practice.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks coach Greg Olson against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

• Ashton Jeanty had 15 rushes for 31 yards and no touchdowns. Additionally, he had six catches out of eight targets with no touchdowns for 30 yards.

·     Geno Smith’s stat line was 18 of 23 for 165 yards, and he had two touchdowns and one interception for a rating of 107.  He was sacked five times.

Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

·     Only 14 points scored by the offense.

·     Three sacks by the Raiders defense, including Maxx Crosby, who had two.  Crosby is only the 12th player in NFL history to record seven sacks or more in each of his first seven years.

Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) reacts during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Finally Some Rookies

It was evident early, with Caleb Rogers starting at right guard, that Carroll intended to get more rookies involved, and they did.

·     Wide receivers Jack Bech (2 catches for 22 yards) and Dont’e Thornton (1 catch for 11 yards) were more involved.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

·     The aforementioned RB Ashton Jeanty and RG Caleb Rogers.

·     JJ Pegues (1 Tackle) got some good looks.

Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

·     DB Darien Porter (3 tackles) got some quality reps.

·     DB Kyu Blu Kelly had two tackles and one interception.

·     DB Greedy Vance additionally had one tackle.

·     Tight End Carter Runyon had no receptions, but had several quality reps.

·     LB Cody Lindenberg also played, but recorded no stats.

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Silver and Black when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news.  Not only is it 100% FREE, but we also don’t spam you or sell your information.  SIGN UP HERE NOW.

We'd appreciate it if you would follow us on X @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr , and please visit our Facebook page, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE