Post by : Maya Rahman

Since joining the Raiders this year, Geno Smith has been a well-regarded presence in the locker room. His teammates generally laud him, and he has managed to foster positive media relations. However, Sunday marked a turning point, as the mounting pressure of the season became palpable.

During the Raiders' 24-10 defeat to Cleveland, Smith endured 10 sacks and was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd even before kick-off. Captured on camera making an offensive gesture while leaving the field, his frustration was evident. In the postgame conference, his responses were brief, reflecting his discontent.

In a subsequent statement, the Raiders expressed disappointment in Smith's conduct and confirmed they had addressed the matter with him, emphasizing their respect for the fanbase.

Understandably, Smith is feeling the strain. The season has vastly deviated from what he and Coach Pete Carroll anticipated when he was acquired via trade. Having succeeded previously with the Seahawks, both Smith and Carroll hoped to replicate that success in Las Vegas. Smith even mentioned having “unfinished business” upon his arrival.

After 11 games, he currently leads the league with 13 interceptions. Evaluating Smith's performance is challenging due to the offensive line's significant struggles this season. Coached by Carroll's son Brennan, the unit has consistently failed to protect him. Against the Browns, Smith barely had time to execute plays as defenders overwhelmed him. Carroll acknowledged the need to work with “the players we have.”

Another shift is on the horizon for Smith with Greg Olson taking over as the new offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Chip Kelly. Olson will be assuming this position for the third time with the Raiders, and the team hopes he can assist Smith in finding his rhythm for the remainder of the season.

The firing of two coordinators within a month—first special teams coach Tom McMahon, followed by Kelly—underscores the intense internal pressure. Prior to joining the Raiders, Carroll had never dismissed a coordinator mid-season, but with a dismal 2-9 record, he deemed it necessary. He acknowledged the challenging nature of the scenario but believes the team and fans deserve maximum effort.

Despite the arduous season, there have been positive indicators. Defensive end Maxx Crosby continues to excel, amassing five tackles for loss against Cleveland and holds a season total of 19, closely trailing Browns' star Myles Garrett. Crosby remains a reliable and industrious player.

Nonetheless, significant concerns persist. The offensive line demands extensive enhancements. Even with tackle Kolton Miller potentially returning later in the season, a comprehensive rebuild seems inevitable in the offseason. Allowing 10 sacks in a single game highlights the gravity of the situation. Consistent pass protection failures and weak run blocking have plagued the team.

On a brighter note, the Raiders' draft placement is trending upward, now projected to pick fifth. If they continue to falter, they may secure a top selection for a critical franchise quarterback.

Job security appears tenuous. With two coordinators already let go, numerous coaches and staff may fear for their positions—including Carroll. Substantial changes loom at season's end, making a major overhaul likely.

In terms of injuries, there was some positive news: running back Ashton Jeanty avoided a serious ankle injury and should remain available. Additionally, hopes are high for Kolton Miller's return, though his recovery timeline is uncertain.

As the team gears up for the final stretch of games, they are still in pursuit of solutions. With eight different play-callers since 2021—including Olson twice—stability has been elusive for Las Vegas. Whether Smith can salvage the season or if further changes are imminent remains to be seen.

#world news #Global News #Sports News