Jan 27, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Week 1 Officially Kicks Off New Era of Raiders Football

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Ezekiel Trezevant | Last updated May 20, 2025 6:15 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders made several notable offseason changes hoping it would lead to quick, and tangible results. While not fully, the Raiders did a hard reset in many ways by replacing their general manager, head coach, quarterback and running back, among several other positions.

The Raiders spent the past couple of seasons struggling on both sides of the ball, primarily on offense. John Spytek and Pete Carroll focused on offense in the draft, revamping the unit with several new skill position players and multiple offensive linemen who should quickly turn into contributors.

Grant Gordon of NFL.com dissected the Week 1 matchup between the Raiders and the New England Patriots.

"After a season away from the NFL sidelines, Pete Carroll and Mike Vrabel are back and making their debuts with their new charges. As Carroll and Vrabel are each looking to turn around woebegone Raiders and Patriots clubs, respectively, they will lead teams rife with fresh-faced talent," Gordon said.

"2025 NFL Draft No. 6 overall pick, Ashton Jeanty, will make an anticipated NFL debut, whilst quarterback Geno Smith will don the Silver and Black for the first time. The Patriots boast new additions like Milton Williams, Stefon Diggs, and Harold Landry."

Gordon noted that Las Vegas and New England will not only be starting a new coaching regime, but the game will also feature two of the better rookies from last season in Brock Bowers and Drake Maye. The two will aim to prove that last season was not a fluke, especially Bowers.

"The Sunday showdown will serve as the start of the second season for two of 2024's most celebrated rookies. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is coming off one of the finest rookie seasons in NFL chronicle, while Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will enter Week 1 as the franchise's undisputed QB1 for what New Englanders hope will be the first of many autumns to come. This one's all about fresh starts and new eras for a pair of storied clubs," Gordon said.

The Raiders have plenty of reason to expect progress this upcoming season, whatever that looks like for a team coming off a 4-13 campaign featuring several new pieces at critical positions.

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This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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