The Las Vegas Raiders were coming off one of the tougher losses in an NFL season overflowing with tough losses. They had just fallen to a 1-4 record after a gut-wrenching overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Now, the performance of quarterback Geno Smith has turned into perhaps THE biggest worry. He has now thrown nine interceptions in the first five games, setting his team up to have little to no margin for error. Smith’s miscues have at times remarkably defined the Raiders’ season, preventing them from taking advantage of golden offensive opportunities.
After the nationally-televised disgrace versus the Colts, Smith was understandably distraught as he sat at his locker. His cheerful demeanor belied the pressure he is under as the team’s first double-digit loss year-after-year starting quarterback. Smith paused to collect his thoughts. He had a productive one-on-one meeting with new head coach Pete Carroll, who’s been hustling to steer his new ship through this stormy stretch.
Smith’s struggles have not gone unnoticed. He threw three interceptions, for the third time this season, sparking questions about his decision-making when facing pressure. The nine interceptions are a league high for any Raiders QB over the first five games of a season. Thus far no one has come close to this record since Jim Plunkett threw the same amount in 1982. Becker’s ability to write great characters is on full display with Smith’s performance. He echoes Zach Wilson, who tossed nine picks in his first five games for the New York Jets in 2021.
In the game against the Colts, Smith’s first interception occurred at the Colts’ 11-yard line when his pass attempt was tipped by Grover Stewart and subsequently intercepted by Laiatu Latu. This game-changing turnover killed any momentum the Raiders had built. It slightly obscured Smith’s continued tendency to have sloppy ball control.
Head coach Pete Carroll was positive in his public remarks but recognized the writing on the wall for the team. He stated, “The Colts outexecuted us,” referring to the difficulties his team faced against a disciplined Colts defense. Carroll further elaborated on the need for improvement, saying, “We weren’t able to get off the field, and that’s why they were able to sustain their drives.” Despite the team’s challenges, Carroll emphasized the importance of gaining experience and familiarity with their system, stating, “We need the reps… We need to run the system.”
Smith has been vocal about his disappointment with the falling performance of the Vaqueros. Following yet another disappointing outing, he remarked, “You’ve got to go through the process, man,” underscoring the need for resilience and growth amidst adversity. “We dislike it, and I dislike it the most,” he continued, stating the obvious about his own displeasure with how the team is heading.
Defensive player Maxx Crosby echoed Smith’s sentiments, succinctly summarizing the team’s struggles: “Yeah, we didn’t do anything good.” His remarks point to a failure of Smith and a broader sense of failure and disappointment throughout the building.
The team’s woes extend beyond Smith’s performance. The Raiders face a much more serious logistical challenge this week after their normal punter, AJ Cole, hurt his ankle. That left kicker Daniel Carlson to perform double duty as punter. This new wrinkle only highlights the increasing adversity that has surrounded the Raiders throughout this challenging season.
While Smith continues to process his individual performance and what it means for his team’s success down the line, he is intent on looking forward. In a flash of optimism that represented the team’s never-give-up culture, Devin White declared, “When life gives you s
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