Pete Carroll: 'We’re Coming to Compete'

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 3:18 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders are limping toward the finish line of the 2025 season after a 34–10 loss to the New York Giants in Week 17 a game that once again highlighted both the roster’s attrition and the coaching staff’s focus on competitiveness over results.

Already shorthanded entering the matchup, the Raiders absorbed additional blows when quarterback Geno Smith and defensive tackle Adam Butler both suffered injuries that could impact their availability for the season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite the lopsided score, several Raiders took advantage of expanded roles. Tight end Michael Mayer delivered the best performance of his young career, hauling in nine receptions for 89 yards, while edge rusher Malcolm Koonce was a constant presence, recording a sack and three quarterback hits.

Speaking Monday morning, head coach Pete Carroll emphasized that effort and internal competition remain the foundation of his approach, regardless of record or circumstance.

“We’ll just try to continue to make it as competitive in all spots as we can possibly make it,” Carroll said. “And our guys have taken to the mentality. They know when I say stuff like that, they know what I’m talking about, and they have to rise up every day and battle against each other.

“That’s the foundation of it. It’s where you’re coming from, and we’re coming to compete to be as good as we can possibly be.”

"We got one week to do something special. Let's make sure that we do everything we can to create that, and we'll see what happens."

Read some of the top quotes from Pete Carroll's Monday morning press conference

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— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 30, 2025

Injury Updates: Geno Smith, Adam Butler

Carroll acknowledged that Smith’s ankle injury could make it difficult for the quarterback to suit up in Week 18.

“It looks like he does not have a high ankle sprain, but he sprained his ankle,” Carroll said. “It’s significant, though. … We’ll just go day-to-day and see what’s happening, but it’s going to be hard for him to play, I think. It’ll be a challenge.”

There was more optimism surrounding Butler, whose injury initially appeared more serious.

“It’s different than what we initially thought,” Carroll said. “It isn’t a strained bicep. He got smacked really hard, and it kind of deadened his ability to use his arm. But he has a chance to be okay with that. It’s not nearly as serious as we might have thought.”

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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