Injuries played a major role in the inconsistency of the Las Vegas Raiders defense in 2025, but that does not tell the whole story.
Pushing players into expanded roles was a hit-or-miss strategy for the Raiders, and that showed at multiple points during the season. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham received the benefit of the doubt by surviving another regime change, but it is fair to expect a bounce-back season from his unit. Having new head coach Pete Carroll as a sounding board in 2025 should help considerably, as the Raiders hope to erase bad habits that crept into their game throughout the season.