"We didn't tackle well today, but we made up for it by not blocking." - legendary USC and Buccaneers coach John McKay.
LANDOVER, Md. – Pete Carroll has followed a certain trail once blazed by the late McKay, going from winning national championships in college to coaching in the pros.
And after Sunday's meltdown against the Commanders, a 41-24 defeat that wasn't even that close with the Raiders often performing more like McKay's expansion NFL team, you could almost hear McKay's matter-of-fact self-deprecating ways in Carroll's voice.
"If you give up big plays," Carroll said, "you're no good. And we were no good today."
Boom.
That was the sound of the Commanders breaking off a 60-yard touchdown run, a 90-yard punt return for a TD and a 43-yard TD pass.
So what, in all that is holy in Silver and Blackdom, was that at Northwest Stadium?
The Raiders, who harbored visions of bouncing back from Monday night's drubbing by the Chargers, were instead beaten up, and beaten down, on both sides of the line of scrimmage by Washington.
So much so that in the first half, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty was getting tackled in the backfield almost as soon as he was handed the ball, and Geno Smith had little to no time to look downfield and absorbed five sacks for the game.
Even special teams, often a bright spot on many a dark and dreary day for this franchise, seemingly took the day off.
Yeah, there was plenty to pick through.
But this much is true: after hitting rock bottom - the Raiders' new regime should hope this was rock bottom - there is nowhere to go but up. And if you thought you were surprised by what went down in the DMV, Carroll was stunned.
Yes, even with a short week from Monday night's home opener to having to travel cross country to face a team coming off a 10-day break.
"Mentally we were OK, but physically, we just didn't seem like we made the bounce back," Carroll said with a sigh. "So I have to do a better job. It's all three phases [offense, defense, special teams], so it's me. I've got to do a better job making sure I manage our return so that when we get on the field, we're ready to go.
"The guys were trying, but it just didn't quite happen like it had before."
The omen came early - Deebo Samuel returned the opening kickoff 69 yards - and after the Raiders managed to claw back to a 10-10 tie, the omens turned into straight revelations and steamrolled them.
- Jeremy McNichols' TD run after bouncing off safety Jeremy Chinn, linebackers Elandon Roberts and Devin White and defensive end Maxx Crosby.
- Jaylin Lane's punt return, in which Darien Porter was flagged for being out of bounds and not attempting to come back on the field.
- Luke McCaffrey's catch-and-run TD to add salt at the end.
Imagine how bad it would have been were it not for the Commanders missing a 37-yard field goal and Marcus Mariota, starting for an injured Jayden Daniels, losing a fumble in Raiders territory, both in the first half.
"Not our standard," Crosby said. "We've got to start fast and finish better. I feel like we had moments where we played well, but overall it just wasn't a good performance.
"We didn't tackle very well. We just didn't do our job. It wasn't good enough."
Consider: the Raiders, who had allowed but 70.5 rushing yards per game to rank No. 4 in the league after two games, gave up 201 rushing yards to Washington, 174 in the first half.
Tackling is equal parts technique and desire, no?
Same with blocking, yes?
"Washington, they've got a good front seven," Jeanty said. "They've got great players up there. But at the same time, we've just got to get better. Every single person."
Jeanty, despite finding very few holes, finished with 63 yards, on 17 carries. So what can he do, three games into his NFL career, when openings are a precious few?
"Take what I've got," he said, shrugging. "Make a guy miss. It's not going to be blocked perfect every single play, so sometimes you've got to make somebody miss, break tackles, get some yards."
At least Crosby, who has seen similar horror shows in his six-plus seasons with the Raiders, is convinced this is not a sequel.
"Absolutely not," he said. "Absolutely not. We're focused on winning games.
"We didn't play well so we've just got to play better. It's as simple as that. Short week, there's no excuses. Everybody has short weeks during the season. It's just [about] how you prepare. … We've got to take accountability."
And that's the challenge for Carroll this week with the Bears coming to Allegiant Stadium next. The Raiders have to flush what just happened - they have not beaten Washington since 2005, going 0-5 in the series since - but not before gleaning a lesson, or three, from it.
And yes, there were some positives, such as Jeanty's exploits, Smith bouncing back with 289 passing yards, three TDs and a 132.7 passer rating, receiver Tre Tucker's three TDs among his career bests eight catches for 145 yards, and Crosby getting a sack.
But Carroll is taking this one on the chin…in a metaphorical sense.
"It felt like we did not get back," Carroll repeated.
"It's not scheme-wise, it's just physically, I think I didn't get them right. So I'm taking this one and I'm disappointed in myself I didn't see it coming."
Somewhere, McKay winks in approval.
View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 3 matchup against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby's (98) locker in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker's (1) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders equipment specialist Deavante Hall in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance's (41) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Terrell Edmunds (28) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Stone Forsythe (70) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders assistant defensive line coach Kenyon Jackson and defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) and cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and kicker Daniel Carlson (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) in a huddle before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) waits for the team to be introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) waits for the team to be introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) as the team is introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) on the bench before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) on the sidelines before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the sidelines before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) on the sidelines before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on the sidelines before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Justin Shorter (88) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), punter AJ Cole (6) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) walk out to the center of the field for the coin toss before the regular season away game against the the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) goes for a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up before kicking a 37-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) receives the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 37-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) recovers a fumble during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) defends during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) defends during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) defends during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams attempt to block a field goal during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) high-five during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Devin White (45) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96), linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) pressure the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams attempt to block a field goal during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) blocks during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) goes for a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) goes for a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates with wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) after making a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates with tight end Brock Bowers (89) after making a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) blocks during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates with tight end Ian Thomas (80) after making a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) blocks during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) goes for a 61-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a 61-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) after making a 2-point conversion catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
