One of the most confusing situations for the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason was the change in role for Jackson Powers-Johnson. Everybody just assumed he’d be the starting center going forward, but he got replaced by Jordan Meredith.
It then seemed like he was locked in at right guard, but had to start sharing reps with Alex Cappa. Now that the regular season is here, the situation has arguably gotten more confusing. Powers-Johnson was the Week 1 starter at right guard, but had to miss Week 2 due to a concussion. He was healthy in Week 3, but the Raiders started Cappa.
It’s now unclear whether or not Powers-Johnson will start in Week 4. The Raiders‘ offensive line has been dreadful through three games, and Carroll was asked if the team would consider going back to last year’s lineup that featured Powers-Johnson at center, Meredith at left guard and Dylan Parham at right guard.
“Absolutely not,” Carroll said on Wednesday. “We’ve invested a lot of time with these guys playing in their spots. I know you’re interested in JPJ … he’s ready to compete for playing time, and he and Alex will be going at it, so it’s a good situation in that regard.”
Fans Already Frustrated With Carroll
Fans and media aren’t in every meeting, nor are they at every practice. It’s entirely possible that Powers-Johnson simply hasn’t been good enough.
He showed some promising flashes last year, but also proved that he had some work to do. Regardless, a lot of fans think that the former second-round pick is getting a raw deal and are frustrated that Carroll is being so stubborn.
“A coach that cares more about his ego over the needs of his team. JPJ and Raider fans deserve BETTER,” one fan commented in response to Carroll’s statement.
“I need somebody to hate me as much as Pete Carroll hate JPJ,” another fan commented.
“Pete Carroll is going to ruin this team, ruin Bowers, Jeanty, JPJ, and Crosby’s career! This is what happens when you hire a 73 now 74 year old coach who’s best years are really far behind him! Pete is the Jerry Jones of coaches,” a fan wrote on X.
“Jesus christ pete carroll becomes an incompetent coach as soon as he puts that shield on… its gotta be us,” an additional fan wrote.
Could Carroll Budge?
For some reason, Carroll seems somewhat defensive of the question of Powers-Johnson moving to center. It’s very possible that there is more to this story that hasn’t been reported. It could be as simple as Carroll not appreciating Powers-Johnson going around telling everybody he was the team’s starting center in the offseason before he earned it.
At this point, it seems like it would take a lot for Carroll to consider having Powers-Johnson move back to center. In the coach’s defense, the Raiders drafted him last year to play guard, so he’s not the only one who thinks he’s better in that position. If the offensive line continues to struggle, this question isn’t going to go away. Carroll just has to hope that Meredith improves as he gains more experience.
Pete Carroll Facing Backlash Over Comments on Jackson Powers-Johnson