Geno Smith Under Fire Following Raiders' Defeat to Browns

Geno Smith has garnered admiration in the Raiders locker room since his arrival this season. His connections with teammates and the media have been mostly positive. However, Sunday marked a tipping point as the pressures of the season took a toll on him.

In the Raiders’ defeat against Cleveland, where they lost 24-10, Smith faced a staggering 10 sacks and was met with loud boos from the crowd prior to the game. Captured on camera, he made a gesture towards the fans while exiting the field. His terse responses at the postgame press conference reflected his agitation.

The Raiders quickly addressed the incident, expressing their disappointment with Smith's behavior and asserting their commitment to respecting fans as well as handling the matter seriously.

Smith's frustration is justifiable. This season hasn’t unfolded as he and coach Pete Carroll envisioned after his trade to the Raiders. Both had previously enjoyed success together with the Seahawks and sought to replicate that in Las Vegas. Smith even mentioned having “unfinished business” upon joining.

Now, 11 games into the season, Smith leads the NFL with 13 interceptions. Evaluating his performance is complicated by the dismal state of the Raiders’ offensive line, which has struggled significantly, failing to protect him effectively. Against the Browns, Smith was under constant pressure, leaving him with little opportunity to succeed. Carroll acknowledged the necessity of working with the current lineup.

A shift is on the horizon for Smith as Greg Olson steps in as the new offensive coordinator, following Chip Kelly’s dismissal. This marks Olson’s third tenure with the Raiders. The coaching staff hopes he can guide Smith towards improved performance as the season progresses.

The recent firings of two coordinators within a month—first special teams coach Tom McMahon and now Kelly—underscore the severe pressure within the organization. Carroll, who traditionally resists mid-season coaching changes, felt compelled to act with the team sitting at a disappointing 2-9 record. He emphasized the necessity of giving players and fans the best possible effort.

Despite the tough circumstances, there are positive aspects to highlight. Defensive end Maxx Crosby continues to shine as a standout performer. He achieved five tackles for loss in the game against Cleveland, bringing his season total to 19, which places him in close competition with Browns star Myles Garrett. Crosby remains one of the team’s most dependable and dedicated players.

However, persistent issues loom large. The offensive line demands substantial improvement. Even if tackle Kolton Miller makes his return, a significant offseason rebuild will likely be needed. The toll of ten sacks in one game illustrates the severity of their struggles. Both pass protection and run blocking have been ongoing issues all season.

On a brighter note, the Raiders are now positioned favorably in next year's draft order. With their ongoing losing streak, the team finds itself at fifth in projected picks. Should the slide continue, they might secure a high-enough selection to acquire a franchise quarterback.

Job security within the organization seems tenuous. With two coordinators already dismissed, many coaches and staff might now be concerned for their futures, including Carroll. Significant changes are anticipated as the season wraps up, with an overhaul likely on the table.

On the injury front, a glimmer of good news surfaced as running back Ashton Jeanty avoided a severe ankle injury and is expected to remain active. There’s also optimism around Kolton Miller’s potential return, though his recovery is currently day-to-day.

As the team looks for solutions ahead of the final games, finding stability remains elusive. Having cycled through eight different play-callers since 2021, including Olson’s two stints, questions loom over whether Smith can regain form by the season's close, or if further changes are on the horizon.