The Las Vegas Raiders were left searching for answers after a deflating 20-9 loss Monday night, a game that ended without a single touchdown for the Silver and Black. Turnovers and missed opportunities, which stalled drives before they could gain momentum, caused the offense to sputter from start to finish. Quarterback Geno Smith, under heavy pressure, threw three interceptions that swung the game firmly in the Chargers’ favor.
While Los Angeles showed why it remains one of the AFC West’s most talented rosters, the Raiders were left with a sobering reality: until they protect the football and find consistency in the red zone, victories will remain out of reach.
Looking back on the loss, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll reflected on Smith’s performance.
“In retrospect it looked like it was really difficult to be hopeful,” Carroll said. “He was trying to make something happen.”
On top of that, fans are furious that Ashton Jeanty has not received more of a workload. However, his pass protection efforts lack physicality and intelligence. The postgame responses should help ease the discomfort Raider Nation is feeling.
Pete Carroll will not limit Geno’s gunslinger mentality…
“I am not going to slow him down,” Carroll said. “If there is a better option, let’s not allow them an opportunity to get the football from us.”
For the second week in a row, the Raiders quarterback threw an interception in the first quarter. He is now the league leader for interceptions. The Gardner Minshew nostalgia is creeping in.
Smith gave multiple wide receivers the opportunity to make spectacular contested catches. Despite being unsuccessful, No. 7 never wavered from these attempts. These throws definitely tipped the cap in the Chargers’ direction.
“I feel like I got to be a lot better for our guys,” Smith said. “I know I have to, and I will be.”
Why is Ashton Jeanty not being used?
Despite being an amazing weapon with the ball in his hands, Jeanty was exposed on Monday in pass protection. One of the sacks on his quarterback came as a result of the lack of effort. This is probably why this regime limits the opportunities for passing downs.
“I could have done a better job in pass protection,” Jeanty said. “I went the wrong way on one of the runs.”
The rookie running back acknowledges that he does need to improve. However, Raider fans want to see the return on the first-round pick investment now. After a fantastic run to begin the game, Jeanty was held to a minimum in the second half. He has a total of 80 rushing yards through two contests.
“He’s still getting it,” Carroll said. “He’s going to get better and feel more comfortable.”
When will the Jordan Meredith experiment end?
Although Jordan Meredith had a solid run last season as an offensive guard, this regime has coached him to play center. However, this experiment has not panned out well. There are no running lanes for Jeanty to exploit and no pocket time for Smith’s deep ball. To say the idea isn’t working would be putting it lightly.
The offensive line needs to change. If defenses don’t respect the run game, it will make for a long day for Smith and his wide receivers. Since Jackson Powers-Johnson excelled at this position last season, he should return to playing center. Well, at least you’d think that, right?
By all means, if this regime needs help, they should look into the trade market for offensive interior help.
What is the biggest room for improvement with the Raiders?
Related: Raiders Miss Chance To Take AFC West Lead
*Top Photo: Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP