“It’s not fake energy”: Maxx Crosby details what feels “different” about Pete Carroll era at Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have a new quarterback, a new running back and a revamped roster. However, it appears as though the most meaningful change so far has been the addition of new coach Pete Carroll.

By all accounts, Carroll has been a positive force in the Raiders' locker room and has been ensuring that his players are training in a fun environment heading into the new campaign.

With training camp and the new season quickly approaching, Raiders star defensive player Maxx Crosby revealed what he has seen from his team since the arrival of Carroll. Citing how the new coach is genuine and has created a hardworking yet positive environment, Crosby outlined how the team has a new feeling heading into the 2025 campaign.

Crosby's comments were published in an article on ESPN by NFL analyst Ryan McFadden on Monday.

"He's [Pete Carroll] true to that," Crosby said. "It's not fake energy... And it's not just him, it's the assistant coaches, the whole building. It just feels different... Pete creates that culture where everyone knows it's hard.

"You're going to work your ass off, but you've got a whole group and an organization of people that all got to be on the same wavelength and go in the same direction. That's one of the hardest things you could do."

Will Pete Carroll help the Las Vegas Raiders return to the playoffs?

The last few years in Las Vegas have been disappointing and nowhere near the level of play needed for a spot in the postseason. Since the 2017 season, the Raiders have only had a winning record once (2021).

Furthermore, until recently, the club has not done a phenomenal job in the NFL draft. Although hindsight is 20/20, the Raiders chose Tyree Wilson over both Bijan Robinson and Jalen Carter in the 2023 NFL draft. Wilson has had a good start to his career, but is nowhere near the elite Pro Bowl levels of both Robinson and Carter.

Another example comes in the 2020 NFL draft when the Raiders used their No. 12 pick on a WR, yet passed on both CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson in the process.

Despite these errors, the Raiders now have a strong offense with Geno Smith, Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. With Pete Carroll now leading the club and bringing a new positive and hardworking attitude, it appears as though Las Vegas could be primed for a big campaign in 2025.