It’s only June, but according to Bleacher Report, a worst-case scenario for the Las Vegas Raiders could involve quarterback Geno Smith experiencing a decline in performance.
Raiders fans are very familiar with the quarterback dilemma that has derailed the Silver and Black. Beginning with Derek Carr’s last season in Las Vegas, the team faced a succession of quarterback changes at the position. The Raiders saw multiple starters try and fail after Josh McDaniels jettisoned Carr. As we approach 2025, it appears that the situation may have finally improved, but there is still a chance for things to go wrong.
At least that’s how one publication sees it when they laid out a possible “worst-case scenario” for Las Vegas. While Smith reuniting with Pete Carroll should inspire confidence, there are still some red flags, according to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine.
“The 34-year-old earned Comeback Player of the Year in 2022, but his production has waned since,” Ballentine wrote. “The 15 interceptions he threw last season were his most since his rookie year in 2013, when he threw 21.” It’s certainly notable that Smith’s interception total last year was a career high; you can’t just ignore that. Conversely, his completion percentage (70.4) was the best of his career as a starter thus far. That’s what the Raiders need: efficiency. Smith just needs to push the ball and keep those turnovers down. Please keep in mind, he’ll have Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty to help him achieve that.
“Smith threw 20 touchdowns to nine interceptions with an 8-7 record as a starter in Carroll’s final season as Seahawks head coach,” Ballentine added. “That was with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba at receiver. Now Carroll is 73, the Raiders don’t have that kind of lineup at receiver, and Smith is another year older.”
Can QB Geno Smith keep the Raiders offense humming?
Ballentine is correct in noting that Smith didn’t exactly excel with the receivers he had in Seattle. The current criticism of the Raiders is that their receiving corps is still a “need.” They have Jakobi Meyers as their primary wide receiver, but after him, there is a significant amount of inexperience and uncertainty. Naturally, such a situation would raise concerns for Raiders fans. However, we expect Chip Kelly’s offense to be different from what Smith experienced in Seattle. The offensive coordinator has already hinted at utilizing two tight end sets, and they also have Jeanty, who is likely to take on a substantial role.
Unless there is a dramatic decline or Smith suddenly forgets how to hand off the ball, the Raiders should see improvements on offense. It’s difficult to imagine a scenario where they don’t improve after last year’s struggles under Luke Getsy.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images