Raiders coach Pete Carroll could have emptied the bench in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 40-6 loss at Indianapolis .

The Colts, after all, did.

But Carroll said his players needed the extra practice time, which underscores where the franchise sits. Any extra work, even in a blowout defeat, is welcome.

Las Vegas has lost four games in a row, and at 1-4, Carroll has matched his 2001 season at Southern California for his worst start as a head coach. He repeatedly said from the moment he was introduced in January all the way through training camp that his intention in Las Vegas was to win right away.

Carroll said Monday he remained confident in the plan. He compared the Raiders' situation to the Las Vegas Aces being up 2-0 in the WNBA Finals after beginning the season 14-14.

“I know that

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