Chip Kelly Raiders Offensive Woes Continue in 2025

Chip Kelly's Offensive Vision Faces Tough Reality in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2025 NFL season with high hopes for their offense under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. With a proven NFL quarterback in Geno Smith, a first-round running back in Ashton Jeanty, and the innovative mind of Kelly, expectations were high that the Raiders would transform their offensive identity. However, through the first nine games of the season, reality has fallen far short of expectations.

In Week 10, the Raiders reached a new offensive low in a season already filled with struggles. Against the division-leading Denver Broncos, Las Vegas had an opportunity to pull off an upset but failed to capitalize on their defense's best performance of the season. The result was a 10-7 loss that highlighted the team's offensive deficiencies.

The numbers paint a concerning picture:

• The Raiders have scored fewer than 10 points four times this season—more than any other team in the NFL.
• The team has been held to fewer than 30 points in 29 consecutive games—the longest active streak in the NFL and the second-longest in franchise history.
• They've failed to rush for at least 100 yards in four straight games.
• Quarterback Geno Smith has thrown 12 interceptions this season.

"What's my level of concern? That we're not scoring enough points," coach Pete Carroll said. "That's about as obvious as you can get. ... There are a lot of factors here."

Factors Contributing to the Offensive Struggles

Several factors have contributed to Las Vegas' offensive woes. The Raiders have been hit with injuries to key players, including tight end Brock Bowers (who had only one catch for 31 yards against Denver), starting left tackle Kolton Miller (ankle), and most recently right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, who was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

However, injuries alone don't explain the extent of the struggles. The Raiders have also hurt themselves with untimely penalties and Smith's turnovers, which have consistently derailed promising drives. These issues have created a vicious cycle where the offense struggles to establish rhythm, leading to more mistakes and missed opportunities.

Chip Kelly's Philosophy vs. NFL Reality

Chip Kelly arrived in Las Vegas with a reputation for innovative, high-tempo offenses that were revolutionary during his time at the University of Oregon and with the Philadelphia Eagles. His system emphasizes speed, space, and getting playmakers in open positions to make plays.

However, implementing such a system in the NFL presents unique challenges. Kelly's previous NFL stints with the Eagles and 49ers showed that his college-style success doesn't always translate to the professional level. The Raiders' current struggles raise questions about whether Kelly's philosophy can work in today's NFL, which has evolved to favor more traditional offensive structures.

Looking Ahead: Potential Changes on the Horizon

With the Raiders sitting at 2-7, the organization faces critical decisions about the direction of their offense. The current struggles could lead to significant changes in the offseason, potentially including:

• A reevaluation of Kelly's offensive scheme and its fit with the current roster.
• Personnel decisions at the quarterback position, considering Smith's turnover issues.
• Addressing the offensive line to better protect the quarterback and open running lanes.

As the Raiders move forward, the pressure will be on Kelly and the coaching staff to adapt their system to the realities of the NFL and maximize the talent on the roster. For a team with playoff aspirations, the offensive struggles represent a significant obstacle that must be overcome sooner rather than later.