Raiders’ Offensive Struggles Lead to Coordinator Shakeup

As the Las Vegas Raiders approach Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season, the team’s offensive performance has left fans scratching their heads. Averaging a mere 15 points per game, expectations for an explosive offense have soured, leading to significant changes—including the firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after Sunday night’s game.

The Offense’s Disappointing Numbers

Entering the season, the Raiders were eager to establish a high-octane offensive attack, a vision that has substantially faltered. With such a low scoring average, it’s no surprise that the organization decided to make a move in an effort to rejuvenate the team’s offensive strategies. The pressure had been mounting, especially after Kelly spoke to the media about trying to adapt his approach to suit the personnel and circumstances without much success.

The Blame Game Begins

In the wake of Kelly’s dismissal, the blame game has ramped up. Tom Pelissero, appearing on the Rich Eisen Podcast, highlighted alarming concerns about Kelly forgetting play calls, which, according to him, contributed to confusion among players on the field. “It was like a game of telephone, but everyone was on the wrong line, trying to figure out where to go,” Pelissero noted.

Adding to the narrative, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport chimed in, shedding light on the friction between Kelly and head coach Pete Carroll. Rapoport reported that Kelly was constrained to implement an offense that mirrored Carroll’s style, which bore resemblance to what Shane Waldron employed as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. This blending of strategies has left many confused as to the true identity of the Raiders’ offense this season.

A Shift in Offensive Philosophy

Defensive coordinators around the league have pointed out that the Raiders’ offensive scheme has shifted from its original shotgun-heavy setup to an under-center zone blocking scheme that Carroll favors. This dramatic transformation, which began in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, has drawn criticism from players and analysts alike. In that game, running back Jeanty managed to surpass 100 yards rushing, but the overall offensive creativity has seemed stifled since.

As reported, Kelly’s signature style—marked by dynamic play-calling and innovative runs—was noticeably diminished, replaced by a formulaic approach that hindered key offensive personnel. This lack of cohesion has been a spotlight issue, with many suggesting that the creative flair promised at the beginning of the season has evaporated.

Internal Tensions and Public Scrutiny

The growing rift between Kelly and Carroll has not gone unnoticed. As Carroll began stepping into a more vocal role regarding offensive strategy mid-season, the public discrepancies only intensified the scrutiny on both men. Players, caught in the crossfire, felt the impact of the discord as game strategies changed week over week.

One can only hope that now, with Kelly’s exit, the Raiders can cease the media catfights and focus on forging a more cohesive and effective plan moving forward.

What’s Next for the Raiders?

As the Raiders gear up to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13, they are not only looking to rejuvenate their offense but also to reinvigorate team morale. With Greg Olson stepping into the role as interim offensive coordinator, changes could be on the horizon that may breathe new life into the struggling unit.

Raiders Links

• Raiders Depart for Week 13: Capture a glimpse of the Raiders as they embark on their journey to Los Angeles with the latest photos.

• A New Offensive Perspective: With Olson at the helm, fans can anticipate a possible revamp in the team’s strategy as outlined by Levi Edwards.

As the Raiders navigate this tumultuous time, all eyes will be on the field to see how the offense adapts and whether it can finally hit its stride before the season reaches its conclusion.