Geno Smith Under Fire Following Raiders’ Defeat to Browns

Geno Smith has gained the admiration of his teammates within the Raiders locker room since arriving this year, often receiving praise and maintaining a good rapport with the media. However, during Sunday’s game against Cleveland, the mounting pressure of the season became evident.

In the Raiders’ 24-10 setback against the Browns, Smith was sacked 10 times and faced significant booing from the crowd before the game even kicked off. As he exited the field, he was caught making an offensive gesture towards the audience. His post-game press conference featured brief and terse responses, reflecting his visible frustration.

Later, the Raiders issued a statement expressing disappointment in Smith’s behavior, noting that they have addressed the incident with him, affirming their commitment to respecting their fans.

Smith’s frustrations are understandable; the season has not unfolded as anticipated by him or coach Pete Carroll after his acquisition. Both had achieved success with the Seahawks and sought to recreate that in Las Vegas, with Smith recently speaking of having “unfinished business.”

However, after 11 games, he leads the NFL with 13 interceptions. Evaluating Smith’s performance is challenging due to the struggles of the Raiders’ offensive line. Lead by Carroll’s son Brennan, the line has failed to provide adequate protection. Against the Browns, Smith was regularly under siege, with defenders frequently in his face. Carroll acknowledged the need for the team to work with their existing lineup.

A further shift is underway for Smith as Greg Olson steps in as the new offensive coordinator following the firing of Chip Kelly. This marks Olson's third stint with the Raiders, and the organization hopes his expertise will aid Smith in regaining momentum through the remainder of the season.

The dismissal of two coordinators within a month—first special teams coach Tom McMahon and then Kelly—highlights the pressure within the organization. Carroll, who has never dismissed a coordinator mid-season before, felt compelled to act due to the team’s current 2-9 record. He acknowledged the challenges but is committed to providing the best for players and fans alike.

Despite the team's struggles, some players have stood out. Defensive end Maxx Crosby continues to impress, recording five tackles for loss against Cleveland, raising his season total to 19 and keeping pace with his strong performance from the previous year. Crosby remains one of the team's steadfast and hardworking members.

Yet pressing issues linger, particularly with the offensive line needing substantial improvement. Even if tackle Kolton Miller returns later this season, a significant offseason overhaul is on the horizon, especially after allowing 10 sacks in a single game. The team's ongoing challenges in pass protection and run blocking have been a constant throughout the year.

On a brighter note, the Raiders are improving their draft position as the losses continue, currently sitting fifth in the projected draft order. If this trend persists, they may secure a high enough pick to acquire a vital franchise quarterback.

Job security is in jeopardy within the team. With the departure of two coordinators, many in the coaching staff may be apprehensive about their futures, including Carroll. Significant organizational changes are anticipated following the season.

On the injury front, there is some good news: running back Ashton Jeanty has avoided a serious ankle injury and should remain eligible to play. There is optimism surrounding Kolton Miller's return as well, although his status remains week to week.

As the team navigates these challenges, they continue to search for solutions during the last phase of the season. With eight different play-callers since 2021, maintaining stability has been elusive for Las Vegas. Whether Smith can finish strong or whether further changes are looming stands to be seen.