Pete Carroll says he's processing Raiders' 1-4 start 'poorly' - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Pete Carroll's upbeat spirit began to show cracks Sunday afternoon.

The Las Vegas Raiders were handed a 40-6 drubbing by the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, marking the team's fourth straight loss and the largest margin of defeat since its 48-9 loss at Kansas City in 2021.

The Raiders' performance over the past four weeks has been the opposite of what Carroll hoped for in his first season as the coach. During the first day of training camp in July, he stood proudly in front of reporters and said, «We are going to win a bunch, and I don't care who hears that.»

Instead, the Raiders are 1-4 — the worst start in Carroll's head coaching career. Meanwhile, his reunion with Geno Smith hasn't gone as planned. The starting quarterback threw two interceptions against the Colts' defense, increasing his interception total to nine — a league high.

Even though Carroll maintained his optimism for the season, he admitted the start to his tenure in Las Vegas had taken a toll on him.

«I'm processing it poorly to tell you the truth because I did expect to win right out of the chutes,» Carroll said after enduring his second-largest margin of defeat as a coach — including NFL and college.

All of the issues that have plagued Las Vegas were on display in Indianapolis. Special teams struggled yet again. The Colts blocked a punt, resulting in All-Pro punter AJ Cole suffering a right ankle injury. Even though Cole returned, kicker Daniel Carlson was given punting duties.

Carlson missed a 57-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of the first half. And if it wasn't for a holding call on the Colts, the Raiders' special teams unit would've been responsible for allowing a 98-yard kick return touchdown to Ashton Dulin.

Even though Las