Brady acknowledged that last year was a collective underachievement. “Last year, we just underperformed in every area. And it’s everybody’s fault. That’s the reality. There’s nobody who did a good job. There’s not one player in the organization, not anybody involved, who did the job to the level it needs to be done at. And everybody needs to improve.” These blunt assessments underscored a season where improvement was the obvious mandate.
The Raiders’ coaching situation also shifted during the year, with Pete Carroll departing the organization. On the field, the team struggled offensively, averaging just 14.2 points per game—dead last in the league. The offense featured a stalled run game and a passing attack that failed to find rhythm. The defense, meanwhile, was beset by 48 touchdowns allowed, and opponents capitalized on turnovers, as evidenced by Geno Smith leading the league with 17 interceptions.
In terms of receiving play, the team leaned heavily on a single wideout who exceeded 600 receiving yards, highlighting a lack of depth and production elsewhere. On the defensive side, key contributor Maxx Crosby delivered ten sacks, and tight end Brock Bowers posted a team-high 696 receiving yards with a strong 74.4% catch rate. While those performances were noteworthy, they did not translate into enough wins, prompting calls for stronger leadership and higher standards within the organization.
Brady has been vocal about the trajectory he expects for 2026. He emphasized a need for sustained, daily improvement. “A massive improvement. And I would expect daily improvement, and I’d expect hourly improvement,” he stated. “Every day that goes by, when you’re on a good team, every day and every week goes by, you should be better. Like, a good team should be better at the end of the season than the beginning of the season, or you’re not a good team. If you have more time together and more practice and you’re getting worse, something’s wrong.”
Looking ahead, the organization is positioned to implement changes that could alter its offensive and cultural dynamics. The approach centers on building a cohesive system that can sustain success throughout the season. Asht on Jeanty could emerge as a focal point for the offense, with the team likely prioritizing a running-game-centric approach that emphasizes balance and tempo. The offensive coaching philosophy, shaped by prior experiences, suggests a reliance on a strong running game while seeking more consistent progress at the quarterback and pass-catching positions.
The front office faces a critical period of decision-making: what additional moves will help establish a durable winning foundation? The goal is to create a culture that consistently performs at a high level, leveraging both veteran leadership and younger, developing players. The plan appears to involve structural improvements, clearer accountability, and a more dynamic offense that can adapt to different game situations.
As the team prepares for the new season, Brady’s expectations point toward a standard of continual progress. He underscored that a successful team should show tangible improvement as the season progresses, rather than regressing or stagnating. The coming months will reveal how the Raiders respond to that philosophy and which strategic adjustments ultimately define their path back toward competitiveness.
In summary, Brady’s comments reflect a push for accountability and forward momentum. With organizational changes in the works and a renewed emphasis on improvement, the Raiders aim to turn 2025’s shortcomings into a blueprint for a more competitive season ahead. The focus remains on building a culture that embodies winning habits, sustained execution, and a clearer, more effective game plan.
