Pete Carroll Sends Clear Message on Raiders’ Brock Bowers

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Las Vegas Raiders‘ tight end Brock Bowers hasn’t been the same since Week 1. Bowers has dealt with a knee issue this season, and

while he hasn’t missed any games, the 22-year-old hasn’t looked like his normal self.

In the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots, Bowers recorded over 100 yards receiving. However, since that game, he’s yet to come even close to that mark. In the Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, Bowers did record 46 receiving yards, his second-highest tally of the season.

Nonetheless, the Raiders star has yet to find the end zone this season. Amid the concerns over Bowers’ production, head coach Pete Carroll spoke about his tight end during his press conference with the media on October 1

“We’re still trying to go to him,” Carroll said. “We’re still trying to get the ball to him and use him for all of the great skills that he has

. So, nothing’s changed in that regard. I think we’re going to see him better as he gets rid of that brace that he’s wearing in a couple weeks, whenever that happens.

“It’s worked out well to have him playing—he’s been out there and able to practice and prepare, and he’s an incredible asset to our team. But we would love for him to get the ball more.”

Is Raiders’ Brock Bowers Feeling Frustrated?

Although Bowers hasn’t been producing at the level many expected, Raiders quarterback Geno Smith stated that he doesn’t feel any frustration from his teammate when speaking to reporters on September 24.

“I haven’t seen any frustration from him,” Smith said. “I think if he does have frustration, I think it’s internal. He’s done a good job of keeping it internal. Obviously, he’s toughening through some things

and he’s playing really well, I think. He’s still moving the same as from what I can see. And really, we just got to get him the ball.

“We got to find ways to get him the ball and get him more involved so he can really feel good about what he’s doing. He’s playing the same as I’ve seen. I haven’t talked to him about any of that. So, I haven’t heard any of that. But, I think, like I said, I think very highly of Brock. I think he’s best tight end in the league. And, it’s my job to get him the ball and make sure that he is on point.”

Raiders Need a Healthy Brock Bowers

Even with Bowers dealing with a knee issue, Raiders radio play-by-play announcer Jason Horowitz noted that the tight end’s reduced mobility has reduced the impact that he has

on the offense.

“I don’t know if there’s a percentage you could put on this, but not having a healthy Brock Bowers plays a role in this offense,” Horowitz said after the Raiders’ loss to the Commanders on September 21

. Kirk Morrison has talked about it throughout the course of the broadcast against the Chargers and then [against the Commanders].

“Defenses are playing this team differently when Brock Bowers

is not a threat to go for 50 yards, and I think that plays a major factor in what is different from Week 1 to now.”

Saints' Running Game Surges Under Kellen Moore: A Playoff Push in the Works

Saints Find Their Offensive Identity Under Kellen Moore: The Return of the Run Game

When Kellen Moore was hired as the New Orleans Saints’ head coach back in February, many wondered how his offensive philosophy would transform the team. Just a quarter into the season, the answer is clear: the run game is the foundation of Moore’s strategy.

The Saints’ rushing offense, once a weak point, now ranks among the best in the league, sitting comfortably at 10th in the NFL. This marks the first time since 2020 that the Saints have had such success on the ground. Alvin Kamara, the veteran running back, leads the charge with 256 rushing yards and is on pace for a career-high season with over 1,000 yards.

The emergence of Kendre Miller has also been a key factor in the Saints' success. Moore has given Miller a fresh start, and the second-year player has seized the opportunity, rushing for 124 yards and a touchdown on just 28 carries. With his current trajectory, Miller is poised to shatter his career highs and become a reliable backup to Kamara.

Even quarterback Spencer Rattler has contributed to the ground game, adding 102 rushing yards on the season. This diverse rushing attack has not only revitalized the Saints' offense but has also set the stage for their playoff hopes, which seem far more promising under Moore than they did in previous seasons.

Looking ahead, the Saints face the New York Giants in Week 5, a team struggling with one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. With the Saints’ new emphasis on the run game, scoring should come easily against the Giants. This game also marks the first time this season that the Saints are favored to win, a testament to the impact Moore has had on the team.

The Saints' offensive identity under Kellen Moore is now clear: a diverse, dynamic, and powerful run game. With Kamara, Miller, and even Rattler stepping up, the Saints are poised to be a force to reckon with as the season progresses.

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