Raiders Struggle in Blowout Loss to Colts
Geno Smith and the Raiders are among the underperformers in the NFL right now.
Raiders coach Pete Carroll considered making a quarterback change during a dismal 40-6 loss to the Colts on Sunday. Ultimately, he decided against it, reflecting on the significant improvements needed.
“Yeah, if I had a reason to do that,” Carroll acknowledged later to reporters. “But here is why I didn’t— we need to keep practicing.”
“We need someone in charge. A shift in momentum. We’re trying to run the system effectively and actually feel it. It’s all about creating the opportunity to improve, and I don’t think it requires drastic changes.”
Smith stayed in the game, but maybe that decision wasn’t the easiest one to make. He had signed a two-year, $75 million contract extension that was fully guaranteed, yet his performance this season has been troubling, with three of five games falling far below expectations.
Carroll and Smith share a history from their time in Seattle, which might make the coach feel a sense of loyalty toward the 34-year-old quarterback.
The Raiders had previously picked up Kenny Pickett from the Browns for their fifth-round pick and could be eyeing him for a starting role if Smith were benched.
In the game against the Colts, Smith threw two interceptions, even with the Colts missing their star cornerback Kenny Moore II.
Currently, Smith leads the NFL with nine interceptions, which is quite staggering considering he’s ahead of some lesser-known players in the same predicament.
However, it’s not all on him. The Raiders fell apart as a team in the second quarter.
After holding a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, they allowed the Colts to score a touchdown, followed by a blocked punt that resulted in yet another touchdown.
Then, Smith threw a red zone interception right after the Raiders had a promising drive inside the Colts’ 15-yard line, which the Colts converted into another score.
To cap the half, the Raiders missed a field goal, trailing 20-3 as they went to the locker room.
“As a quarterback for this team, I hate where we’re at. I despise how it looks,” Smith expressed. “What the outside world thinks? That can’t distract me. Internally, I know what we’re doing and where we’re headed. It’s crucial we stay focused.”
The Raiders have a shot to turn things around next week when they take on the Tennessee Titans, who are currently favored by 5.5 points.
