The Pete Carroll era with the Las Vegas Raiders couldn’t have started any better. In Carroll’s debut as head coach, the Silver and Black leaned on suffocating defense and timely offense to take down the New England Patriots 20-13 in Foxborough. The win puts the Raiders at 1-0 and gave fans a glimpse of what this new era of football could look like in Las Vegas.
Defense Defines Carroll’s Raiders Debut
From the opening whistle, Carroll’s trademark defensive intensity was on full display. The Raiders held the Patriots to just three points in the second half and only 137 total yards after halftime.
The pass rush led the way. Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce reunited as a dominant tandem, combining for two sacks and four quarterback hits. Altogether, Las Vegas racked up nine QB hits, 17 pressures, and one key interception that swung momentum.
Crosby once again looked like the heartbeat of the defense, generating five pressures, a sack, and forcing rookie quarterback Drake Maye into mistakes. Under pressure, Maye completed just 3 of 8 passes for 32 yards and an interception — a passer rating of only 10.4.
Geno Smith Shines in Raiders Debut
On the offensive side, veteran quarterback Geno Smith silenced any doubts about his fit in Silver and Black. Smith threw for 362 yards and one touchdown, connecting with multiple receivers and making the biggest play of the game late in the fourth quarter.
Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty also made his NFL debut memorable, punching in a rushing touchdown despite tough sledding (19 carries for 38 yards). The Raiders finished with 390 total yards, showing balance even against a disciplined Patriots defense.
Patriots Fade After Fast Start
New England looked sharp early, with Maye tossing a first-quarter touchdown to take a 7-0 lead. But the Patriots’ offense completely unraveled after that. Over the final three quarters, they managed only 43 rushing yards and just one field goal.
The turning point came on the Patriots’ first drive of the third quarter. With the ball near midfield, Maye overthrew Stefon Diggs, and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao snagged the interception. From there, Las Vegas took control, outscoring New England 13-3 the rest of the way.
Play of the Game
The highlight moment belonged to Geno Smith. Facing third-and-20 late in the fourth quarter, Smith rolled right and launched a 36-yard strike to Dont’e Thornton for a crucial first down. Instead of giving the Patriots one more chance, the Raiders chewed clock and forced New England to burn timeouts. By the time Maye got the ball back, it was too late.
That single play showed exactly why the Raiders brought Smith in: poise, experience, and the ability to deliver under pressure.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
The Raiders (1-0) now return home to Allegiant Stadium for a massive AFC West showdown on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0). Carroll’s squad has the chance to start 2-0 and make an early statement in the division.
For New England (0-1), things don’t get easier as they travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins in Week 2.
Bottom Line
Pete Carroll’s first game in charge proved exactly why Raider Nation has reasons to believe. With Crosby leading a ferocious defense and Smith commanding the offense, the Raiders showed toughness, balance, and the kind of winning identity Carroll is known for. If Week 1 is any indication, the Las Vegas Raiders are ready to turn the page and start building something special in 2025.
