Oct 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

What We Learned from the Raiders' Latest Debacle

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Ezekiel Trezevant | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 11:30 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders' season is on the brink of disaster just five games into the season. Unexpected injuries to players the Raiders could not afford to lose have already derailed a Raiders season everyone expected to be different.

There are 12 games left and seemingly few answers available for the Raiders moving forward. However, looking back, some things are evident. NFL.com's Around the NFL Staff analyzed what was learned from the Raiders' loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Smith's Costly Miscues

"The Raiders now have turned the ball over 10 times this season, with eight coming via interceptions. It’s been hard watching the Raiders’ passing game, and Sunday was no different. Smith was without his top two tight ends, Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, and the offense struggled to convert drives. Ashton Jeanty had 59 yards from scrimmage on the opening drive but had only another 50 yards the remainder of the game and was stuffed on one fourth down," the Around the NFL Staff said.

"So it was a less-than-fertile offensive environment for Smith to operate in, but he also struggled largely. Even with completions for 33 and 29 yards, he averaged only 6.3 yards per attempt for the game and had two painful picks that led to Indianapolis touchdowns.

"The Raiders were down 40-3 entering the fourth quarter, and they might have to consider making a QB switch at some point. Who knows if Kenny Pickett offers more upside or productivity, but Smith hasn’t justified being the unquestioned starter."

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Following Sunday's loss to the Colts, Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll explained how he plans to approach Smith's struggles. Although Smith is primarily to blame for his struggles, Carroll noted that the Raiders' coaching staff and Smith's teammates have his back. The Raiders must stick together.

“We're all in this thing together, and we talk through all of the hard conversations about things we might not agree with and then the things we agree with, and we'll just put it together. Just keep working," Carroll said.

"The intention and the purpose is connected. We just have to get the results that comes out of that and make sure we're making clear decisions, the right ones, the right choices, working with our experienced players – guys that have an opinion and they know a lot, and G (Geno Smith) is one of those guys.”

This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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