Pete Carroll knows the weight of expectation. A Super Bowl ring glints from his Seattle legacy, proof of transforming potential into pinnacle success. But in the neon glow of Las Vegas, that alchemy feels frustratingly distant. The Raiders , under his new command, are a puzzle where key defensive pieces just won’t click – and the centerpiece, the $106.5 million man Maxx Crosby , finds his unit stuck in preseason purgatory. Carroll’s grand reboot, envisioned with Tom Brady ‘s backing, is hitting an early snag where it hurts most: getting after the quarterback.

The plan sounded innovative, born from necessity after Christian Wilkins’ absence . Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is throwing rotations at the wall like spaghetti. Against the 49ers , it looked like a

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