The Las Vegas Raiders have done a lot of things incorrectly throughout the first quarter of their 2025 schedule, but their run defense has been generally impressive. They currently rank 13th in the NFL in that department, allowing just 102.8 ground yards per contest. A bit more down-to-down consistency would further improve those results.

The Raiders held the Chicago Bears‘ running backs to 56 rushing yards via 18 carries (3.1 yard per carry) in the Week 4 defeat. In the Week 3 disappointment to the Washington Commanders, missed tackles was an issue on Jeremy McNichols’ 60-yard TD run. It’s those missed opportunities Carroll is attempting to address.

“We missed that stinking play, and they go 60 yards [McNichols TD], but our run defense has been solid,” Carroll told reporters on Wednesday. It’s an accurate assessment. The Raiders are allowing just 4.0 yards per carry, 14th-best in the league, and rank 4th-best in Rush EPA (-18.9), per Ryan McFadden.

Pete Carroll has been pleased w/ #Raiders run defense, calling the loss vs. Washington an outlier. “We missed that stinking play, and they go 60 yards, but our run defense has been solid.”

Las Vegas has allowed 4 YPC (14th in the league) and 4th in Rush EPA (-18.9).

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) October 1, 2025

The Raiders run defense has generally been stout and effective. The occasional missed tackle has led to back-breaking plays. Coach Carroll is working to address those outliers. The 1-3 Raiders have plenty of opportunities for improvement, like their 23rd-ranked pass defense, but defending the run is one department they’ve been productive in.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Pete Carroll defends Raiders run defense