LAS VEGAS — What happens to a front office when its biggest, most consequential acquisition single-handedly loses an important, early-season game?
What happens to a locker room when the entire roster levels up—except for the team’s leader, who throws three interceptions on the way to losing a game the team should have won?
After the Las Vegas Raiders’ 25-24 loss to the Chicago Bears, Raider Nation is rightfully wondering whether Smith should be benched in favor of Kenny Pickett. But the front office, coaching staff, and roster know that Smith is firmly entrenched as the starter.
So what’s their confidence level right now regarding Smith? Reckless speculation: they are likely concerned. How can they not be? Smith has played inconsistently this season. His bad moments are awful. Smith is far from his rookie form, when he threw 21 interceptions. But he seems to be suffering a carry-over effect from a season ago when he threw 15 interceptions. That’s the most he’s thrown since his rookie campaign with the Jets.
The front office, especially, must be on high alert…
General manager John Spytek led a conservative approach in free agency, opting for a youth movement. That movement is supposed to be buoyed by Smith—and not just this season. Smith’s two-year, $75 million contract extension with the Raiders speaks volumes. There’s no easy way out of Smith’s contract until after the 2026 season, and we all know money talks.
The only man who can make it right is Smith. His leadership ability is unquestioned. He said all the right things at his post-game press conference and it’s clear he meant it.
So which Smith will show up Week 5 against the Colts? Will it be the Geno Smith who faced pressure against the Commanders but didn’t turn the ball over? Or will it be the Smith who wasn’t sacked against the Bears and threw three interceptions? Will it be the Smith who threw interceptions in bunches as a rookie? Or will it be the mature veteran with a high completion percentage the Raiders front office thought it acquired?
Time will tell. However, it’s easy to envision some nervousness within the Raiders front office concerning Smith. The locker room, including Coach Pete Carroll, may also be feeling the pressure of this decision.
Ashton Jeanty’s breakout performance
Finally, the Raiders’ run game and first-round pick Ashton Jeanty showed up big. Jeanty had 138 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground against the Bears. He also notched two receptions, both touchdowns. Overall, he was the first Raiders rookie to record three touchdowns in a game since the legendary Bo Jackson in 1987.
It was fun to watch, but it wasn’t fun after the Raiders lost, thanks to Smith’s INTs. For a Raiders team built to run the football, losing in Jeanty’s breakout game must be beyond frustrating.
Although the offensive line deserves recognition for Jeanty’s breakthrough performance, they are still a work in progress. That was clear in the first half against the Bears when the Raiders failed on consecutive attempts at gaining one yard for a first down. And it’s not getting any easier after offensive tackle Kolton Miller suffered an injury against Chicago.
Jeanty appeared revitalized on the field, showcasing the confidence he displayed during his time at Boise State. This development bodes well for the Raiders’ current and future prospects. The extent to which Jeanty contributes to the team’s success this season, in terms of wins and losses, may depend largely on Smith and the performance of the offensive line.
Brock Bowers and his bulky brace…
Another reason the Raiders failed to capitalize on Jeanty’s big game is a lingering issue with tight end Brock Bowers’ knee. He’s still wearing a really bulky knee brace, which was on full display during the broadcast against the Bears. Bowers’ productivity has taken a dip since he suffered his knee injury in Week 1 against the Patriots; Bowers had 103 receiving yards in that game but has failed to reach 50 yards receiving since.
Bowers is as important to the Raiders’ fortunes on offense as Jeanty. The good news is that if Bowers and Jeanty can start producing at the same time, points should follow—if Smith can rebound, of course. It will be easier for Smith to do so with a supreme pass-catcher like Bowers at full strength. This tandem has the potential to power the Raiders’ future as well. Las Vegas appears to have drafted quality playmakers with its last two first-round picks, and that’s something for fans to be pleased about.
Should Raiders DE Maxx Crosby be mad?
If there is indeed any frustration in the Raiders locker room, defensive end Maxx Crosby has more reason than anyone to feel that way. One of the Raiders’ longest-tenured players, Crosby was a demon on Sunday against the Bears. He recorded his first career interception to thwart an early Bears drive that followed a Raiders turnover on downs, single-handedly keeping Las Vegas afloat.
Crosby didn’t record a QB sack, but he had three tackles for loss and three passes defensed to go with his interception. Overall, the defense played exceptionally well against Chicago, especially against the run. Chicago averaged just 2.7 yards per rush on a healthy 26 carries.
A week after playing terribly in all three phases against the Commanders, the Raiders put it all together against the Bears—except for the front office’s No. 1 acquisition, Geno Smith. Will they ever all be on the same page? Currently, it seems that’s up to Smith. The Raiders need him to be the veteran who revived his career after a rough start as a young signal caller. If he can’t be that player, Spytek will face the same questions about his quarterback as his predecessor, Tom Telesco.
Does that sound like progress? Certainly not. The entire Raiders organization is anxiously awaiting whether Smith can develop this young roster into a contender. They’re likely concerned that signing Smith to a lucrative extension may have been a misstep.
Related: Geno Smith’s Turnovers Are Sinking The Raiders
*Top Photo: Getty Images