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

Why Raiders Must Solve Geno Smith Problem Before It's Too Late

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Michael Canelo | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders extended a streak they wanted to end on Sunday. Coming into Week 5, the Raiders had a three-game losing streak. And after their game against their Indianapolis Colts, they now have a four-game losing streak going on.

It was a game that the Raiders did not want to have at all, but it happened again. The Silver and Black are now going downhill, and it is happening fast. This team was supposed to be a way better team than they have been showing after five games.

The biggest problem for this team has been the offense. And it has not been good at all. In this game, veteran quarterback Geno Smith had a pair of interceptions. It was not a great scene to see once again for the Raiders leader. Something is going to have to change to get this offense going in the right direction. This offense is completely playing a different brand of football than many thought we were going to see from this Raiders team. A lot of questions to answer on the part of Geno Smith.

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Time to Bench Geno Smith?

His career is turning back around once again in a bad way. The Raiders are getting a different player than what Smith has played like over the last few years. It is just not there for Smith this season. And you've got to start asking and thinking, if the Raiders need to make a change at the quarterback position. Yes, Smith is head coach Pete Carroll's hand-picked quarterback, but this cannot keep happening to the Raiders. They need better play out of the most important position on the football field.

Coming into the season, Smith was seen as a mid of the pack quarterback that could make his way into the top 10 quarterback conversation. But five games into this season, you are talking about Smith being the worst quarterback in the NFL right now. The unknown is here for the Raiders and Carroll is going to have to figure it out because the Raiders will return to the field next week at home against a team that has not won a game this season. They cannot afford to lose that game.

Raider Nation is not happy with the team's performance, especially with Smith. They have not been given the good football team they have been wanting.

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

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