HC Pete Carroll has strong opinion on QB Geno Smith, and it's hurting the Raiders

Benching quarterback Geno Smith wouldn't be unwarranted for the Las Vegas Raiders, but it seems head coach Pete Carroll isn't even considering the idea. 

In a 33-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on "Monday Night Football" in Week 11, Smith completed 27-of-42 passes for 238 yards, one touchdown and one interception, posting an abysmal 19.9 QBR. Despite that, the coach is backing the 35-year-old passer. 

Pete Carroll defends Geno Smith

"I continue to really believe in him," the coach told the media Tuesday. "I have no hesitation in telling you that. He's an incredible player, and he's busting his tail, he's working at it really hard. He has not backed off one step throughout the process. He's gonna keep working it, and he'll come through for us. We just gotta help out more and protect him better."

Carroll certainly has loyalty toward Smith, who played for him in his last five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks (2019-23). After acquiring the QB from the NFC West team in March, the coach said he would give the Raiders "a great kick-start."

However, Carroll must accept that continuing to play Smith could be costing the Raiders games. After 11 weeks, he's tied with Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa for the league lead in interceptions (13) and ranks 31st among 35 eligible passers in QBR (32.6). 

To cut Smith slack, he hasn't received much help. Per Pro Football Focus, he has been pressured on 136 dropbacks, the sixth-highest mark in the NFL. Meanwhile, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty (pick No. 6) has rushed for just 554 yards, the 19th most in the league. That doesn't change the fact that the QB hasn't played well and isn't finding ways to elevate the offense.

Raiders backup QB Kenny Pickett, a 2022 first-round pick, could be considered an unappealing option. The 27-year-old signal-caller threw 15 TD passes and 14 interceptions in his first three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. 

After a 2-8 start, though, the Raiders should still consider giving Pickett a shot. The worst-case scenario is they'll lose more games. On the bright side, that will provide them with a higher pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Plus, Smith clearly isn't the future of the franchise.