🚨 Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll Slams Chiefs for Playing “Overly Physical,” Says Injuries to Key Starters Cost Las Vegas Its Competitive Edge Against Kansas City
Las Vegas, NV – October 20, 2025 – Following the Raiders’ 31–0 blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Pete Carroll voiced sharp criticism of the Chiefs’ aggressive playing style, accusing them of crossing the line with “overly physical” tactics that left several of his key players injured.
“There’s a difference between playing tough football and playing reckless,” Carroll said postgame. “We had guys getting rolled up on, hit late, and we lost some of our best players because of it. That’s not what this league should stand for.”
Among the most notable injuries was defensive captain Maxx Crosby, who left the game late in the first half after taking a low block from Chiefs tight end Noah Gray. Though early reports suggest the knee injury was precautionary, the loss of Crosby — who leads the team with 4 sacks and 10 tackles for loss — was a major blow to a defense already struggling to contain Patrick Mahomes.
The Raiders were also without wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, sidelined due to a knee and toe injury, and rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who missed his second consecutive game with a lingering knee issue. Both are expected to return after the team’s Week 8 bye, but their absences were deeply felt in an offense that managed just 187 total yards.
CBS Sports’ rules analyst Gene Steratore breaks down how this low block by Chiefs TE Noah Gray is legal. He nearly took out Maxx Crosby’s legs on this play, seen here in slow motion.
🎥: CBS Sports #RaiderNation| #LVvsKC pic.twitter.com/AvS5O01kmf
— Mike Dixon (@MikeDixon_VST) October 19, 2025
Even special teams felt the impact, as return specialist Alex Bachman played through an ankle injury, though he appeared limited in movement.
Carroll emphasized that while physicality is part of football, intent matters:
“We all love hard hits — that’s the game. But when players are getting hurt because of unnecessary shots, that’s crossing the line. Our guys deserve better.”
The loss not only dropped Las Vegas to 2–5 but also raised concerns about player safety in divisional rivalries that have grown increasingly hostile.
The Raiders will use the bye week to recover and regroup before facing the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9 — hoping that a healthier roster and renewed focus can reignite their season.
