Gutierrez’s Take: A Bitter Season Ends with a Sweet Victory and a New Beginning
The 2025 NFL season for the Las Vegas Raiders was, by almost every statistical measure, a "bitter" one. It was a year defined by an 11 game losing streak against AFC rivals, offensive stagnancy that saw the team rank last in rushing for much of the year, and a carousel of quarterbacks trying to find a rhythm under first year head coach Pete Carroll. Yet, as the sun set on Allegiant Stadium following a Week 18 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, the narrative shifted. According to longtime Raiders columnist Paul Gutierrez, the team didn't just finish the season; they found the exact ending they needed most.
A Defensive Masterclass
The Raiders entered the finale without their heartbeat, Maxx Crosby, who was sidelined with injuries. In a season where the defense often bent until it broke, Sunday was different. The "Silver and Black" defense didn't just show up; they dominated. The Raiders recorded eight sacks on the day, a staggering number for a unit that had struggled with consistency.
Most encouraging for the future was where that production came from. Rookie defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway and edge rushers Charles Snowden and Tyree Wilson each accounted for two sacks. Wilson, the former first round pick whose development has been under a microscope, even contributed a safety that proved to be the margin of victory. For a team looking to build a foundation for 2026, seeing the "young lions" hunt in the backfield provided a rare moment of clarity and optimism.
The Rise of Ashton Jeanty
While the team's record remained bleak, the individual brilliance of rookie running back Ashton Jeanty became the season's primary torchbearer. Jeanty entered the final game chasing history, and he caught it. By the end of the game, Jeanty had set a new franchise record for scrimmage yards by a rookie, surpassing the marks set by legends like Marcus Allen and more recent stars like Josh Jacobs.
Jeanty’s performance a blend of "the power of Emmitt and the balance of Barry," as Hall of Famer Marcus Allen famously put it earlier in the year gave the Raiders an identity. Even when the passing game faltered with Geno Smith or Kenny Pickett under center, Jeanty remained the engine. Finishing the season with over 1,000 rushing yards and the rookie scrimmage title wasn't just a personal accolade; it was a signal to the rest of the league that the Raiders have a centerpiece to build around.
The Special Teams Dagger
No Raiders season finale would be complete without the steady leg of Daniel Carlson. In a game decided by two points, Carlson’s 60 yard bomb his longest of the season was the difference maker. It was a reminder that even in a 3-14 season, the Raiders possess elite specialists. Between Carlson’s accuracy and AJ Cole’s continued brilliance in the punting game, the "third phase" remains the most stable part of the organization.
The Bittersweet No. 1 Pick
Perhaps the most complex part of the "ending they needed" involves the 2026 NFL Draft. By beating the Chiefs 14-12, the Raiders snapped a demoralizing losing streak and boosted locker room morale. However, thanks to results elsewhere in the league, the Raiders managed to secure the win while still clinching the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
As Gutierrez noted, owner Mark Davis found himself in a unique position. He was "happy with the win" especially one over a division rival but equally "intrigued" by the prospect of having the first choice in a draft class rumored to be deep with franchise altering talent. It is the ultimate "have your cake and eat it too" scenario: the team proved it hasn't quit on Pete Carroll’s "Compete!" mantra, yet they still hold the golden ticket to a total rebuild.