Raiders Face Significant Challenges with Daniel Carlson
The Las Vegas Raiders may need to consider finding a new kicker after the 2025 NFL season as Daniel Carlson appears to be struggling with his performance.
History of Raiders Kickers
The Raiders have a long history of legendary kickers. George Blanda paved the way for Sebastian Janikowski, and two years after Janikowski retired, the team brought in Carlson midway through the 2018 season. Carlson quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname "Cash Money Carlson" because of his precision and reliability.
Recent Decline in Performance
For years, Carlson consistently delivered for the Raiders, but his success has diminished recently, particularly during the 2025 season. His struggles were highlighted in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a game that perfectly demonstrated his challenges.
Week 9 Game Breakdown
- Carlson failed to kick the ball into the landing zone during the opening drive, negatively impacting the game's momentum.
- He missed an extra point in the first half, which proved costly.
- The Raiders lost in overtime by a single point, a margin influenced by Carlson’s missed kicks.
In contrast, Jaguars' second-year kicker Cam Little made an NFL-record 68-yard field goal to end the first half, showcasing the difference in the kicking game that day.
Head coach Pete Carroll expressed his frustration about the kicking situation during his postgame interview.
Summary
The Raiders' reliance on Daniel Carlson has become problematic as his performance has faltered, suggesting the team may need to explore new options soon.
Author's summary: Daniel Carlson's sharp decline this season poses a serious challenge for the Raiders, who must decide if they can continue relying on their once-dependable kicker.