Pete Carroll will make his long-awaited return to Seattle on Thursday. The former Seahawks head coach brings another former Seahawk, Geno Smith, with him. It’s something that all NFL fans will be eagerly watching.
However, that’s not on Carroll’s mind.
“It’s the only game we got.”
-Pete Carroll
That’s significant for a couple of reasons. First, it signifies a business-first attitude employed by the Raiders. Nobody would have imagined that this team would carry such a mindset heading into the season.
Usually, the Raiders would be filled with endless blunders and mishaps. It doesn’t matter if it was JaMarcus Russell showing up 70 lbs. overweight or a random player was arrested. The jokes would’ve poured in like a monsoon.
Secondly, it signifies that the Raiders aren’t distracted by such stories. Sure, it might only be a preseason game. However, that doesn’t mean Carroll’s going to let that get to his head. After all, he has a regular season to prepare for.
Pete Carroll and the Raiders can set the tone on Thursday against the Seahawks
Yeah, yeah. I know that it’s only preseason and we’re only seeing who makes the roster. However, it’s a perfect opportunity for Carroll to test some things out. There’s a possibility the starters get time in this game, meaning they’ll try certain plays out.
That could mean seeing how the wide receivers do in a relaxed setting. It doesn’t seem likely that Seattle follows suit for this preseason matchup, giving wideouts like Tre Tucker and Dont’e Thornton Jr. a chance for some reps.
It could also mean Carroll sees what Ashton Jeanty does on the football field. How will his burst look in a potential game? Where will he project with the season coming up? It’ll be a solid opportunity to see where the Boise State alum stands out.
Carroll has something to prove to himself
Of course, that also means Carroll himself has something to prove. Perhaps that’s something he doesn’t want to admit. After all, you want to keep a straight face when heading back to your old stomping grounds.
However, he’s likely to do whatever he can to win on Thursday. Getting the perfect opportunity to exact your revenge against a former team isn’t something that’s handed out regularly. Rather, you get these opportunities once or twice in a lifetime.
It’s like Eminem once said…
“You only get one shot!
Do not miss your chance to blow!
‘Cause opportunity comes!
Once in a lifetime, you better…”
-Eminem
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