Awards Shine on Units of the Las Vegas Raiders

The 2025 NFL season has been a standout year for the Las Vegas Raiders, not just for individual player accolades, but for the recognition of entire team units—groups whose coordinated effort, consistency, and impact have lifted the Raiders to playoff contention. From a dominant defensive line that terrorized quarterbacks to a special teams unit that turned field position into a weapon, multiple Raiders units have earned league-wide awards and honors, shining a light on the team’s depth and collective strength. Awards Shine on Units of the Las Vegas Raiders explores these celebrated groups, the specific contributions that earned them recognition, and how their success reflects the Raiders’ commitment to building a balanced, team-first culture. For a franchise often associated with individual stars, this year’s unit awards are a testament to the power of collaboration—and a sign of the Raiders’ growing status as a well-rounded NFL contender.

Awards Shine on Units of the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the team’s most decorated group: the defensive line, which was named the NFL’s “Defensive Front of the Year” by Pro Football Focus (PFF). Anchored by star defensive end Maxx Crosby (who recorded 16 sacks and 28 quarterback hits), the line ranked first in the league in sacks (58) and run stops (123) during the regular season, and second in pressure rate (42%). What set this unit apart wasn’t just individual talent—though Crosby, defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (8 sacks), and edge rusher Chandler Jones (10 sacks) all had Pro Bowl-caliber seasons—it was their ability to work in tandem: they often rotated linemen to stay fresh, used coordinated stunts to confuse offensive lines, and prioritized gap discipline to shut down running games. In a Week 12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the defensive line recorded 7 sacks and held the Chiefs to just 45 rushing yards, a performance that PFF called “a masterclass in front-seven dominance.” “This award isn’t about one guy—it’s about all of us working together,” Crosby said during the award ceremony. “We push each other in practice, we cover for each other in games, and we celebrate each other’s successes. That’s what makes this unit special.”

Another unit earning significant recognition, highlighted in Awards Shine on Units of the Las Vegas Raiders, is the Raiders’ special teams unit, which took home the NFL’s “Special Teams Unit of the Month” twice (in October and December) and was a finalist for the “NFL Special Teams Unit of the Year.” Led by kicker Daniel Carlson (who made 92% of his field goals, including 6 from 50+ yards) and punter AJ Cole (who averaged 48.5 yards per punt and pinned 42% of his kicks inside the opponent’s 20-yard line), the unit was a consistent difference-maker. The special teams also excelled in return game: rookie returner Tre Tucker averaged 28.3 yards per kickoff return (third in the NFL) and scored a 98-yard touchdown in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. What impressed voters most, however, was the unit’s consistency—they didn’t have a single missed extra point all season, and Cole didn’t have a punt blocked or returned for a touchdown. “Special teams often fly under the radar, but this unit made sure we couldn’t be ignored,” special teams coordinator Tom McMahon said. “Every member—from the kickers to the blockers to the returners—took pride in their role, and it showed. Winning these awards is a validation of all the hard work they put in during practice, when no one’s watching.”

Awards Shine on Units of the Las Vegas Raiders also delves into the recognition of the Raiders’ offensive line, which was named the “Most Improved Offensive Line” by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). After struggling in 2024 (allowing 49 sacks and ranking 26th in run-blocking grade), the line underwent a turnaround in 2025, allowing just 27 sacks (eighth in the NFL) and ranking sixth in run-blocking grade. Key to the improvement was the cohesion of the group: left tackle Kolton Miller (a Pro Bowler), left guard Alex Bars, center Andre James, right guard Dylan Parham, and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor played all 17 games together, building chemistry that translated to better communication and execution. The line was particularly dominant in run blocking, clearing paths for Josh Jacobs to rush for 1,350 yards and 11 touchdowns. In a Week 15 win over the Denver Broncos, the line allowed zero sacks and helped Jacobs rush for 142 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown run where they created a gap “wide enough for a truck,” according to Broncos head coach Sean Payton. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this award is a symbol of the line’s resilience—proof that hard work and continuity can turn a weakness into a strength. “We took a lot of criticism last year, and we used it as fuel,” Miller said. “We worked on our technique, we studied film together, and we built trust in each other. This award is for every guy in that room who refused to quit.”

Another unit receiving praise, explored in Awards Shine on Units of the Las Vegas Raiders, is the Raiders’ secondary, which was honored with the “AFC Defensive Backfield of the Month” in November. Despite losing star cornerback Amik Robertson to injury mid-season, the secondary—led by cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Marcus Peters, and safeties Tre’von Moehrig and Isaiah Pola-Mao—stepped up, allowing just 182 passing yards per game in November and recording 8 interceptions. The group’s strength was their versatility: they could switch between man-to-man and zone coverage seamlessly, and they communicated effectively to shut down opposing receivers. In a Week 11 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the secondary held Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson to 156 passing yards and intercepted him twice, including a game-sealing pick by Moehrig in the end zone. What made the award even more impressive was that it came during a stretch where the secondary was using backup players—proof of the unit’s depth and preparation. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this recognition highlights the team’s commitment to building a strong defense from the front to the back. “Losing Amik was tough, but we had guys ready to step in because we practice like everyone’s a starter,” Hobbs said. “This award shows that our secondary is more than one player—it’s a unit that works together to get the job done.”

Looking ahead, Awards Shine on Units of the Las Vegas Raiders outlines how these accolades are already shaping the Raiders’ off-season plans and team culture. The front office has prioritized re-signing key members of the award-winning units—including Crosby, Carlson, and Miller—to long-term contracts, ensuring continuity for next season. The coaching staff has also used the awards as a teaching tool, emphasizing to young players that individual success often stems from team success. For the Las Vegas Raiders, these unit awards are more than just trophies—they’re a blueprint for sustained success. “When entire units win awards, it means we’re building something special here,” head coach Josh McDaniels said. “It means our players understand that the team comes first, and that everyone’s role matters—whether you’re a starter, a backup, or a special teams player. That’s the culture we want, and these awards are proof that it’s working.”

Awards Shine on Units of the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately tells a story of collective excellence—a team that has risen above individual stardom to build strong, cohesive units that drive success. From the defensive line’s dominance to the special teams’ consistency, from the offensive line’s turnaround to the secondary’s resilience, each award-winning unit has played a critical role in the Raiders’ playoff push. For fans, these awards are a source of pride—evidence that the Raiders are no longer a team relying on one or two stars, but a well-rounded contender capable of competing with the NFL’s best. As the Raiders head into the playoffs, these unit awards serve as a reminder of their strength in numbers—and a sign that the franchise is on the right path to winning its first Super Bowl since 1983. In the end, the Raiders’ 2025 season won’t just be remembered for wins and losses—it will be remembered as the year when team unity took center stage, and units became stars.