George Kittle Shades Raiders’ Defensive Alignment, But Praises Team Energy

The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the 2025 season with genuine optimism, fueled by a Pete Carroll-led coaching staff and plenty of energy around the team. However, even with the good vibes, not every opponent view of their defense has been positive.

49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle recently called out a defensive alignment that he felt didn’t maximize Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. During joint practices, the Raiders lined Crosby up head-up over Kittle, effectively surrendering edge contain. The play produced a big gain on the ground, and Kittle didn’t hold back his thoughts afterward.

"I'm not the defensive coordinator for the Raiders, but Maxx Crosby in a four-point stance at six-technique takes a lot of pressure off me and (right tackle Colton McKivitz), where I can just run through his outside shoulder and McKivitz can just eat it up at the second level," Kittle said via the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I'll take that any day of the week."

Despite the critique, Kittle made it clear he’s impressed with the Raiders overall. He praised their team energy, camaraderie, and Pete Carroll-style culture during joint practices ahead of their preseason matchup on Saturday.

"They're flying around and celebrating each other," Kittle said. "That's a Pete Carroll team. That's what they do. I like the vibe here. Let Maxx Crosby be Maxx Crosby, and they're going to have a great year."

What This Means for the Raiders

While Kittle’s observations highlight a potential coaching adjustment or missed opportunity in defensive alignment, the bigger takeaway is the Raiders’ overall energy and culture. Pete Carroll’s coaching style appears to be resonating with the team, and Maxx Crosby remains a centerpiece of their defense. If the Raiders can refine situational assignments while maintaining the team vibe, they could be a dangerous squad in 2025. Fans should be excited, but also watch how Patrick Graham deploys Crosby in key defensive moments.