Cowboys 2025 opponent preview: X-factors for the Las Vegas Raiders

We are so very close to football.

The Las Vegas Raiders are no strangers to change, but the 2024 season pushed the franchise to a breaking point. After firing head coach Josh McDaniels midway through the 2023 campaign and turning to former linebacker Antonio Pierce as the interim leader, there was renewed optimism in Sin City. That optimism didn’t last long.

Under Pierce, the Raiders stumbled to a disappointing 4-13 finish in 2024, prompting yet another coaching change. This time, Las Vegas opted for experience—decades of it. In a surprising move, the team hired 73-year-old Pete Carroll to take the reins, making him the oldest head coach in NFL history when he steps onto the sideline in Week 1. Carroll, who inked a three-year deal, will be 76 by the end of his contract.

Despite his age, Carroll brings energy, competitiveness, and a proven track record of fostering player-friendly locker rooms. Known for his “win forever” mantra and success with the Seahawks, Carroll now inherits a Raiders team desperate for identity and stability. Along with Carroll comes quarterback Geno Smith, reuniting the two from their time in Seattle. Together, they aim to bring professionalism and a sharper edge to a team that lacked discipline and preparation last year.

Las Vegas may no longer be a league doormat, as Carroll could quickly turn around the attitude in Las Vegas. While big names like Maxx Crosby dominate headlines for the Silver and Black, a few under-the-radar players could make a major difference, particularly in their matchup with Dallas.

Tre Tucker

The Raiders also made a significant addition to their coaching staff, hiring offensive innovator Chip Kelly as their new offensive coordinator. Kelly, fresh off orchestrating Ohio State’s offense to a national championship, is expected to implement his signature uptempo offense built on pace and explosiveness. One player who stands to benefit immensely is Tre Tucker.

Tucker, a third-year receiver, is suited for Kelly’s system. At 5’9” and clocking a blazing 4.37 in the 40-yard dash, Tucker thrives out of the slot, where his quickness and low center of gravity make him nearly impossible to jam at the line of scrimmage. As a rookie, he averaged 17.4 yards per reception with an average depth of target of 18.5 yards, showcasing his big-play potential.

However, last season’s quarterback instability led to a more conservative role, limiting his opportunities downfield. With Geno Smith now under center and Kelly calling the plays, expect Tucker to reclaim his vertical role. Malik Hooker and Dallas’ safeties will need to be ready to defend the deep third as Tucker stretches the field.

Malcolm Koonce

While Maxx Crosby rightly draws attention as one of the league’s best pass rushers, don’t overlook Malcolm Koonce, who has quietly developed into a legitimate threat on the opposite edge. A third-round pick in 2021, Koonce broke out in 2023 with eight sacks and 23 quarterback pressures despite playing only 44% of the defensive snaps. Unfortunately his rise was interrupted by an ACL tear; however, the Raiders showed faith in him, signing him to a one-year, $12 million deal for 2025.

Now fully recovered and in peak shape, Koonce returns to a Patrick Graham defense that needs him. With long arms, a relentless motor, and the ability to dip and flatten around the edge, he fits the Pete Carroll mold of edge defenders—reminiscent of players like Bruce Irvin or Benson Mayowa from Carroll’s past teams.

Isaiah Pola-Mao

Another name to watch is rising safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, who could be the Raiders’ next breakout star. A USC alum and nephew of Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu, Pola-Mao took a winding path to NFL relevance. Undrafted in 2023 and buried on the depth chart, he finally got his shot in 2024 after a Marcus Epps injury and made the most of it.

Pola-Mao recorded 89 tackles, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in his first year as a starter, displaying versatility and instinct. At 6’4” and just 205 lbs, he’s rangy and explosive, although still developing in coverage. Much like his uncle, Pola-Mao’s biggest asset is unpredictability—he lines up all over the field and attacks from multiple angles. Carroll, who also coached Polamalu at USC, will know exactly how to maximize Pola-Mao’s Swiss Army knife skill set. When the Raiders face the Cowboys this season, don’t be shocked if some of these underrated names are the ones making headlines.