Raiders players steadfast that focus on winning, not No. 1 pick

Las Vegas– raiders The displeasure of the players regarding the discussion of tanking looming over the organization became more intense one after another. lost 34-10 till New York Giants On Sunday.

Although the loss increased the team’s chances of landing the No. 1 pick in next year’s NFL Draft to 80%, according to ESPN Analytics, that was the last thing on some players’ minds after their 10th straight loss dropped the Raiders to 2-14.

“I hate that people are saying or thinking that,” the attackers said defensively. jona lulu Said. “We’re trying not to lose. I’m just 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 appeared focused on the future. it kept a tight end brock bowersSecurity jeremy chinn and defensive end max crosby On injured reserve. Crosby, who are expected to need knee surgeryHe left the facility on Friday after being informed of the team’s decision.

Before the Raiders traded him up, Crosby said he didn’t care about the No. 1 pick; His focus was on giving his best performance and helping the team.

cornerback eric stokesOne of the Raiders’ few bright spots on defense, said Sunday he agrees with Crosby.

“If you’re all trying to tank, don’t throw it at me,” Stokes told ESPN. “Same thing as Max said, I’m trying to be the best person I can be. If anyone’s trying to hold back, you might as well take me out.”

Still, players recognize the current state of the team and how the No. 1 pick could help move it in the right direction.

“We have a lot of young guys that are really good,” Raiders wide receiver trey tucker Said. “…We are very close but also very far.”

Raiders will secure the No. 1 pick with a loss kansas city chiefs Next weekend, a game in which the Las Vegas starting quarterback geno smith Not likely to play. He suffered a severe ankle sprain at 12:41 of the fourth quarter after throwing his second interception and was immediately taken to the locker room. backup kenny pickett Played the rest of the game.

Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Smith will have an MRI on Monday, but he did not seem confident about the 35-year-old’s availability for the Week 18 contest.

“It’s very difficult to return [from]”Carroll said.

Smith completed 20 of 28 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown against the Giants. The two interceptions raised his 2025 total to 17 – his most in a season since he recorded 21 as a rookie. New York Jets in 2013.

Meanwhile, Carroll said he still believes he has the support of ownership even during the worst season of his head coaching career.

“From the people I’ve talked to, I feel like I have their support,” Carroll said. “What does that mean? I don’t know, but we’ve had a really nice conversation.”

However, Carroll did not comment on whether those conversations with ownership have led him to believe he will return to Las Vegas for a second season. After a year away from football, he signed a three-year deal with a team option for a fourth year last January, completing his 14-year tenure with football. Seattle Seahawks,

Carroll said, “Our relationship is going great. We’re communicating really well.”