Pete Carroll recognized the challenges ahead when he took on the role of head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders after a year away from the game. The AFC West is home to a cadre of legendary coaches, including Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos, Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs. Collectively, these coaches boast an impressive record of 741 wins, including 52 in the postseason, alongside multiple Super Bowl appearances and victories, with Reid claiming three titles himself. Carroll and Harbaugh stand out as the only coaches in this group to have reached both a Super Bowl and a national championship since the inception of the BCS/College Football Playoff in 1998.
“Isn”t that something?” Carroll remarked. “If you”re going to be any good, you”ve got to beat the best teams. You have to beat them, and so if this division is loaded with that, then that”s what”s going to make us what we are. … I”ve got to get my act together.”
As he enters a matchup against Payton and the Broncos, the Raiders find themselves struggling with a record of 2-6. The disparity between Las Vegas and its division rivals is significant, with the Raiders currently holding the last place in the AFC West. The Chiefs, at 5-4, occupy third place, trailing the Broncos at 7-2 and the Chargers at 6-3.
Despite the Raiders” current standing, the competition among the coaches in the division has lived up to expectations. Raiders general manager John Spytek expressed his admiration, stating, “I have a lot of respect for all three coaches and all three quarterbacks. And I mean, where else would you rather be? You got a great division.”
Carroll is set to face Payton for the seventh time, with Payton holding a slight edge at 4-3 in their previous encounters. Two of those losses for Payton occurred in the postseason, highlighting Carroll”s respect for his rival. He noted that Payton”s teams are “a well-schooled group,” reflecting the influence of legendary coach Bill Parcells, under whom Payton coached as an assistant with the Dallas Cowboys.
Carroll praised Payton”s ability to blend an effective running game with a potent passing attack, saying, “There”s nothing about his game that isn”t on point.” Running back J.K. Dobbins echoed this sentiment, citing Payton”s winning track record as a key factor in his decision to join the Broncos during the offseason.
This season marks a significant moment in NFL history, with the AFC West featuring a remarkable lineup of coaches who have all previously won a Super Bowl. This dynamic is the most competitive seen in a single division since 1999, when the NFC West had a similar level of coaching prowess.
Carroll, Payton, and Harbaugh have all joined the AFC West in recent seasons, aiming to dethrone Reid and the Chiefs, who have dominated the division with three Super Bowl titles and nine consecutive division championships. Reid”s tenure with the Chiefs has seen a remarkable turnaround, leading them to consistent success since taking over in 2013.
Amidst this competitive landscape, Carroll”s efforts to rebuild the Raiders are hindered by the team”s struggles. They have lost six of their last seven games and are at risk of finishing with a losing record for the seventh time in the last ten seasons. Injuries have also plagued key players, including tight end Brock Bowers, who missed several games due to a knee injury.
After a recent defeat to the Chiefs, Reid expressed sympathy for Carroll, acknowledging the difficulties of managing a team facing injuries and setbacks. The relationship between Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith has not developed as smoothly as those of other coaches and quarterbacks in the division.
Carroll”s journey to instill his coaching style within the Raiders is ongoing, but the urgency to compete effectively in the AFC West is palpable. “Going against Andy and Sean and Jimmy, it couldn”t be any more challenging because these guys are terrific football coaches, and they”re going to have a complete team,” Carroll stated.
As the Raiders prepare for their upcoming challenges, the question remains whether Carroll can turn the tide and restore the team to competitiveness in this fiercely contested division.
