Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll's Frustration as Tom Brady's Influence Disrupts Team's Focus

The Las Vegas Raiders' struggles in the 2025 NFL season have led to growing frustration within the team, with interim head coach Pete Carroll making a bold statement about the external influence affecting the Raiders' performance. After consecutive losses, Carroll pointed to

Tom Brady's overwhelming presence and his growing role with the team as a contributing factor to the Raiders' current woes.

"I feel like everything is being pulled in different directions by decisions outside of our control, and when someone like Tom Brady has so much influence, it creates a disruption in our decision-making. It feels like our progress is being held back by external factors, and that’s what’s hurting us,"

Carroll said, expressing his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. These comments have raised questions about the balance of power within the Raiders organization, as Brady, a minority owner of the team and a former NFL superstar, has been involved in various aspects of team operations, from providing game insights to having influence on coaching strategies.

The Raiders, now 1-3, have been inconsistent on the field, struggling to find their rhythm despite a roster full of talent. Geno Smith, the team's quarterback, has had a rocky start, with the offense unable to find its groove in key moments. Wide receiver

Davante Adams has continued to perform at a high level, but the lack of a solid offensive scheme has made it easier for opposing defenses to shut down the Raiders' attacks. On defense,

Maxx Crosby has been one of the few bright spots, but the team's inability to stop the run and generate turnovers has kept them from being competitive in games.

Carroll's comments are significant not only because of the frustration behind them, but because they point to a deeper issue within the Raiders' culture. Brady's involvement, while meant to offer expertise and guidance, has raised concerns about the blurred lines between ownership, coaching, and player development.

"When decisions are being made by people who aren’t directly involved with the team’s day-to-day operations, it starts to create confusion and a lack of cohesion," Carroll added.

As the Raiders prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the

Denver Broncos, the pressure is mounting. The team is in desperate need of a turnaround, and it remains to be seen whether they can regain focus and discipline amidst the chaos surrounding them. Carroll’s leadership, along with the performance of key players like Smith and Crosby, will be crucial in determining whether the Raiders can recover or continue their downward spiral.

The eyes of the NFL community are now on the Raiders as they try to find stability and unity within a team that has been disrupted both on and off the field.

Lions have one huge advantage over Ravens ahead of MNF

In a game between two Super Bowl contenders, the result may very well come down to who isn't playing rather than who is.

Both the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens have had their share of injury issues early on in the season. For the Lions, much of the discussion this past week has centered around pass rusher Marcus Davenport, who has now officially been ruled out with a chest injury.

Prior to the release of the injury report, head coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media and all but declared Davenport was out for the Week 3 Monday Night Football game. Despite the disappointing news, Campbell still struck an optimistic tone regarding an eventual Davenport return, saying, "We do not feel this is season-ending."

The rest of the injury report was promising as linebacker Jack Campbell (Ankle), tackle Taylor Decker (Shoulder/Rest), safety Kerby Joseph (Knee), and cornerback D.J. Reed (Knee) are all listed as questionable for Monday's game.

#DETvsBAL injury report presented by Henry Ford Health pic.twitter.com/gCCi2iju49
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 20, 2025

According to Friday's practice report, Davenport was the only Lion to not practice. Campbell, Joseph, and Reed were all limited, while Decker was a full participant. All four are likely to play on Monday, but things can always change before kickoff.

The Decker news should come as a relief, given that fans had to wait until hours before the Lions' Week 2 game against the Chicago Bears to learn if Decker would suit up. Tackle Giovanni Manu had practiced with the starters throughout the week leading up to that game.

The Lions' special teams unit is also getting a boost on Monday as running back Sione Vaki and linebacker Trevor Nowaske are poised to make their season debuts after both missing time. Vaki and Nowaske have each been listed as full participants in practice throughout the week.

Ravens will enter Monday Night Football banged up

While the Lions have mostly received good news, the same cannot be said for their opponents, as the Ravens have four players already listed as out.

The Ravens will be missing two key players on their defensive line in pass rusher Kyle Van Noy (Hamstring) and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (Neck). The Lions' new-look offensive line will still be tested on Monday, but it's tough to deny that the Lions are catching a big break not having to line up against these two Pro Bowlers.

Game status vs. Lions pic.twitter.com/lLOih7clRh
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 20, 2025

The Ravens will have to wait at least another week for the season debuts of All Pro fullback Patrick Ricard (Calf) and tight end Isaiah Likely (Foot). Likely did see limited practice throughout the week, but Ricard did not.

Though this is a big game for the Ravens, they do play the Kansas City Chiefs next week, which could have seeding implications at the end of the regular season. It does make sense for the Ravens to play it safe with their injuries and trust that quarterback Lamar Jackson, and his impressive record versus NFC opponents, can lead them to victory.

The Lions and Ravens are expected to play a competitive match-up, but in a rare sign, the Lions will be the ones entering a pivotal game with the healthier roster. That could prove to be the difference when the dust settles on Monday Night Football.

Sport