HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Even if there were considerably more losses than wins in recent seasons, the Raiders could at least count on having an elite special teams unit.

Not as much this season.

Why is a bit of a mystery because most of the key pieces remain in place. Daniel Carlson has been the kicker since 2018, punter AJ Cole joined the team in 2019 and Tom McMahon became the special teams coordinator in 2022.

Even so, Las Vegas has struggled in seemingly every area, most notably getting kicks blocked the past two weeks. A Carlson field goal to beat Chicago was blocked off the edge two weeks ago, and Indianapolis blocked a punt on Sunday on a play that also resulted in a sprained ankle for Cole.

“It’s obviously frustrating when it doesn’t work out,” Carlson said Wednesday. “All you ca

See Full Page