The Las Vegas Raiders have nothing to play for except pride after being eliminated from playoff contention.
At 2-10, the Raiders are at real risk of finishing the season with two wins for the third time in franchise history. That would be an absolute disaster for head coach Pete Carroll, who had visions of this team being a playoff contender in year one of his contract, which obviously didn’t happen.
Still, the Raiders are playing for their dignity down the stretch and will continue to play hard. At this point, the rest of the season will be used to assess the roster and coaching staff to see who should return next season and who should be sent packing.
Carroll is a worthy candidate of this, as the legendary 74-year-old coach wants to win now. Both sides could mutually agree to part ways after this season if the team doesn’t run into any success for the remainder of the season, but Carroll might want to stay and finish what he started.
Another prime candidate to be sent packing after just one season donning the black and silver is quarterback Geno Smith. Smith was a trade acquisition prior to the season and he signed a massive two-year extension worth upwards of $80 million. His play hasn’t exhibited that of a quarterback worthy of that price tag, and he could be on his way out after a disappointing season.
Smith has thrown far too many interceptions and isn’t protecting the football. He has completed 67.3 percent of passes, but his 14 interceptions are tied for most in the National Football League.
Given the state of the team, it’s time to see what the younger players can do, including second-round pick Jack Bech.
Bech has tons of upside as a receiver but hasn’t gotten many targets this season. ESPN’s Ryan McFadden believes he is the team’s X-factor down the stretch.
“Wide receiver is among the long list of needs the Raiders will address in the offseason,” McFadden wrote Tuesday. “But with Las Vegas out of the postseason picture, the final five weeks of the season should open the door for its rookie second-round pick to prove he can be a meaningful contributor in 2026. Bech has only 10 catches for 114 yards, though eight of those receptions resulted in first downs. The former TCU standout has upside. It's a matter of the coaching staff allowing him to showcase his potential in the coming weeks.”
It's time to let Bech "cook" the rest of the season. Las Vegas will host the Denver Broncos in a Week 14 divisional showdown.