The reunion of Pete Carroll and Geno Smith has not gone as planned. The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a heavy defeat, losing 40-6 to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. This marked a dismal start to the season, pushing the Raiders’ record to 1-4. Carroll described this as the worst start of his career.
Significant Loss Against Indianapolis
The match against the Colts illustrated several struggles for the Raiders. Carroll’s team failed to showcase a strong defense or offense:
- Allowed 34 points, one of the heaviest defeats in Carroll’s coaching history.
- Geno Smith threw two interceptions, increasing his season total to nine—ranking him first in the league in this statistic.
- Defensive statistics include:
- Allowed 8 out of 10 third-down conversions.
- Recorded no sacks against quarterback Daniel Jones.
- Gave up touchdowns on all six red zone trips.
In a post-game interview, Carroll expressed disappointment, stating, “I expected to win right out of the chutes.” Smith echoed this sentiment, saying he hated the current situation and how it looked.
Concerns Over Team Performance
The Raiders appear to be struggling across the board. Their point differential is among the worst in the league, ranking third worst. Similarly, their turnover margin is second worst. Tight end Brock Bowers, one of the team’s key offensive pieces, is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
Ashton Jeanty, a rookie running back, has shown promise with a three-touchdown performance against the Chicago Bears but lacks consistency due to a struggling offensive line.
Quarterback Conundrum
Three years ago, Carroll famously traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, promoting Smith as his successor. Initially seen as an unlikely starter, Smith achieved remarkable success with the Seahawks, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors and leading the team to the playoffs.
After joining the Raiders, realities have changed. His current season performance places him near the bottom in quarterback rankings:
- 28th in QBR under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
- Worse interception rate than during his troubled rookie season.
- Struggling with a high sack rate of any full-time starting season.
Rumors circulate about potential replacements, including Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell, as Smith’s future as a starter appears precarious.
Overall Team Challenges
Both Carroll and Smith face immense challenges. The Raiders are again in a rebuilding phase, markedly evident by poor roster depth and injuries. Carroll no longer has final say on personnel decisions, focusing solely on coaching.
- The Raiders’ defensive performance is reminiscent of last season’s struggles in Seattle.
- They rank among the worst teams in pass rushing and defending third downs.
The outlook for the remainder of the season appears grim. The Raiders are likely underdogs in most upcoming matchups, even against weaker teams like the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants. This may put them in contention for a top draft pick, a situation they have not faced since 2007.
Future Uncertainty
Carroll’s contract runs for three years with a possible fourth-year option, while Smith’s two-year extension allows flexibility to move on as early as 2026. With previous head coaches being dismissed by owner Mark Davis within three years, neither man is assured job security.
Time is running out for this duo to salvage their season. If their struggles continue, the Las Vegas chapter of Carroll and Smith could be cut short, reflecting a significant downturn from their inspiring pasts.
