Raiders Players Reject Tanking Narrative Amid Historic Losing Streak
Following a decisive 34-10 loss to the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders players have vocally rejected the growing external narrative that the organization is 'tanking' to secure the top NFL draft pick. Despite the team's record falling to 2-14 and a 10th consecutive defeat, key defensive and offensive players emphasized their commitment to winning and personal performance. The loss increased the team's probability of securing the No. 1 overall pick to 80%, but players like defensive tackle Jonah Laulu and cornerback Eric Stokes echoed star Maxx Crosby's sentiment that their focus remains solely on competition. The situation highlights the internal tension between long-term franchise strategy and the professional pride of athletes.
The Las Vegas Raiders' 2025 season reached a new low point with a 34-10 defeat at the hands of the New York Giants, marking the team's tenth consecutive loss. However, the post-game discourse was dominated not by the on-field performance, but by the palpable frustration from players regarding the pervasive external talk of the franchise intentionally losing games—a strategy colloquially known as 'tanking'—to secure the first overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Player Outcry Against the Tanking Narrative
In the locker room following the loss, Raiders players were unequivocal in their dismissal of the tanking speculation. Defensive tackle Jonah Laulu expressed his disdain for the concept, stating, "I hate that's what people are saying or thinking. We're not trying to lose. I'm trying to go out and do my best because I don't know if I'm going to be here next year." This sentiment underscores the professional reality for many players on a struggling team: every game is an audition for their future, whether in Las Vegas or elsewhere.
The players' stance was notably aligned with that of defensive leader Maxx Crosby, who was placed on injured reserve before the game. Crosby had previously stated he had no interest in the draft pick, focusing only on his performance. Cornerback Eric Stokes, who had a solid game, reinforced this viewpoint with pointed clarity: "If y'all are trying to tank, don't throw it my way then. The same thing Maxx said, I'm trying to be the best person I can be. If anybody is trying to tank, y'all might as well take me out, too." This collective voice paints a clear picture of a locker room committed to competition, despite the team's dismal record.
The Front Office's Actions and Draft Implications
The narrative gained traction due to strategic decisions made by the Raiders' front office in the lead-up to the Giants game. The organization placed several key veterans—tight end Brock Bowers, safety Jeremy Chinn, and the aforementioned Crosby—on injured reserve, effectively ending their seasons. The decision regarding Crosby, the team's best defensive player, was particularly notable. He was informed on Friday and subsequently left the facility, with reports indicating he is expected to need knee surgery.
These roster moves, while arguably prudent for player health, inevitably fuel speculation about prioritizing future assets over present competitiveness. The loss to New York significantly bolstered the Raiders' draft position. According to ESPN Analytics, the team's chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick jumped to 80% after the defeat. The Raiders can clinch the top selection with a loss in their final game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Injury Woes and Coaching Uncertainty
Compounding the team's challenges is a significant injury to starting quarterback Geno Smith. Smith suffered a high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter against the Giants and was immediately taken to the locker room. Head coach Pete Carroll indicated Smith would undergo an MRI and was not confident about his availability for the season finale, stating, "That's pretty hard to bounce back [from]." Backup Kenny Pickett finished the game. Smith's injury and his season-high 17 interceptions add another layer of difficulty to an already struggling offense.
The season's struggles also cast a shadow over the future of the coaching staff. Pete Carroll, in his first year with the Raiders after a long tenure in Seattle, is enduring the worst season of his head coaching career. When asked about his job security, Carroll said he believes he has the support of ownership based on their conversations but acknowledged, "What does that mean? I don't know." He declined to comment on whether he has been given assurance he will return for the second year of his contract.
The Professional Athlete's Dilemma
The situation presents a fundamental conflict inherent in professional sports rebuilds. While securing a top draft pick like the projected No. 1, quarterback Arch Manning, could accelerate a franchise's turnaround, the process often demands short-term sacrifice that clashes with the competitive instincts of the players on the field. Wide receiver Tre Tucker acknowledged the paradox, noting the team has "a lot of young guys that are really good" but admitted, "We're super close but far away at the same time."
For the athletes, the final game against Kansas City is not about draft percentages; it's about pride, film for their next contract, and the basic professional desire to win. The vocal rejection of the tanking narrative is a defense of their profession and a reminder that, regardless of the standings, the individuals on the field are inherently wired to compete.
