'Mildly Concerned': ESPN Reporter Comments on Geno Smith’s Raiders Situation

Despite his completion rate hovering around 65 percent, his nine interceptions through five games have raised alarms among fans and analysts alike. Las Vegas acknowledges that Smith must improve, but there’s still confidence in his potential to turn things around.

The franchise’s decision to retain Smith as the starter for the time being reflects a commitment to stability, despite mounting pressure from fans who are eager for change. Backup Kenny Pickett has been brought into the fold, but insiders indicate that he is more of a safety net than a direct threat to Smith’s position. The coaching staff appears to believe that Smith can regain his form, especially with support from offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

However, the challenges facing Smith extend beyond his performance alone. Las Vegas has dealt with significant injuries to key players, including tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, which has compounded the difficulties within the offense. Smith’s reliance on arm talent to force throws has not been effective, leading to concerns about his decision-making under pressure.

ESPN Reporter Reveals How Concerned the Las Vegas Raiders Are About Geno Smith

As it stands, there is some concern on the part of Seattle when it comes to Smith. This is detailed more in an analysis by Fowler for ESPN.

Fowler: I would classify it as mildly concerned. The Raiders know Smith has to play better — and soon — but there’s no sentiment that Smith is a broken quarterback. So I’m not expecting him to get benched or anything this week. Scouts I have talked to believe Smith has been too late with the ball this season and is relying on arm talent to force throws into tight windows. On the flip side, the Raiders were without their top two tight ends (Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer) and left tackle Kolton Miller on Sunday against Indianapolis. And the receiver depth is not great overall.

As Las Vegas prepares for its upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans, the organization remains hopeful that Smith can rally and lead the team to victory. While the sentiment is not to abandon ship just yet, the ongoing struggles could prompt a reevaluation if performance does not improve.

The situation surrounding Smith is precarious, with the Raiders holding their breath as they ride out his struggles. With a mix of hope and concern, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Smith can reclaim his starting role as a reliable quarterback in Las Vegas.