Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll talks with quarterback Geno Smith/LAPRESSE
The Las Vegas Raiders’ season has veered far from expectations. A fresh era under Pete Carroll was supposed to bring stability and a renewed competitive edge, but a 2–8 start and mounting offensive troubles have instead defined the year. At the center of that turbulence stands Geno Smith, a veteran quarterback fighting turnovers, intense scrutiny, and an ever-changing supporting cast. And yet, even as the losses pile up and the calls for change grow louder, Carroll continues to stand firmly behind his quarterback. His message is consistent: Smith is still the starter, still trusted, and still capable of leading the team—if the Raiders can shore up the chaos around him.
Carroll Reaffirms Confidence in Smith After Another Costly Turnover
After Smith threw his league-leading 13th interception in Monday night’s 33–16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Carroll didn’t hesitate to defend him. Speaking on Tuesday, the 74-year-old coach doubled down on his belief in Smith’s work ethic and resilience.
“I continue to really believe in him,” Carroll said. “He has not backed off one step throughout the process… He’ll come through for us.”
Carroll emphasized that the interception—tipped by linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. before being picked by safety Markquese Bell—stemmed from a missed check-down option. A wide-open opportunity for rookie Ashton Jeanty sat underneath, but Smith pushed the ball downfield to Brock Bowers instead.
“He thought he could get it in there,” Carroll said. “But there was a better decision on that play.”
Raiders’ Passing-Heavy Approach Reflects Their Trust in Smith
Despite the turnover issues, the Raiders leaned aggressively on the pass game. Las Vegas called designed pass plays on 84% of its snaps—its highest rate since 2012. With injuries ravaging the offensive line, Smith operated behind two backups (Stone Forsythe and Will Putnam) and still completed 27 of 42 passes for 238 yards, a touchdown, and a 77.3 passer rating.
Smith absorbed four sacks and pressure on 16 of 49 dropbacks, but Carroll maintained that he managed the circumstances well.
“We just gotta protect him better,” Carroll said. “We’ve got to help him out.”
The commitment reflects Carroll’s ongoing stance: Smith remains their best option, even as turnovers threaten to derail drives and momentum.
Statistical Slide Continues as Smith Searches for Answers
Smith’s production has taken a sharp downturn. At 35 years old, he ranks 29th in passer rating (80.9) and 31st in QBR (32.6). His touchdown-to-interception ratio (12:13) trails nearly all starters, including quarterbacks who’ve already been benched.
Las Vegas hasn’t seen a quarterback throw this many interceptions through 10 games in 30 years.
Smith, for his part, hasn’t shied away from the blame.
“If something doesn’t look right out there, blame it on me,” Smith joked. “If your kids mess up at school, blame it on me. Car breaks down going to work, blame it on me.”
The accountability earns respect inside the building, but the production still must improve.
Raiders Face Tough Decisions With O’Connell Nearing Return
While Carroll insists there’s no quarterback controversy, the situation could shift soon. Backup Aidan O’Connell—out since October with a wrist injury—was designated to return and has been practicing against the first-team defense. A roster spot opened when Las Vegas waived safety Chris Smith II and released tackle Leroy Watson IV.
Carroll acknowledged the team will soon decide whether to activate O’Connell or keep him on injured reserve for the season.
“He’s had quite a bit of practice opportunity,” Carroll said. “He’s done all right with it.”
Kenny Pickett remains the immediate QB2, but O’Connell’s return gives Las Vegas flexibility if Smith’s struggles deepen.
Draft Implications Loom as Raiders Drift Toward Top-Five Pick
At 2–8, the Raiders project to hold the fourth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with a 62.5% chance of selecting inside the top five. The franchise hasn’t taken a first-round quarterback since drafting JaMarcus Russell in 2007, yet this season’s trendlines suggest that may soon change.
Smith signed a two-year, $75 million extension after his trade from Seattle, but he carries no remaining guaranteed money beyond 2026. His future with the team hinges on whether his late-season performance convinces Carroll and the front office he still fits into the next phase of the rebuild.
The Raiders are searching for answers, but Pete Carroll’s stance on Geno Smith hasn’t wavered. With injuries, inconsistency, and offensive instability contributing to a season in freefall, Smith remains the starting quarterback—backed by a coach who insists better days are still attainable. Whether that confidence leads to a turnaround or accelerates the search for a long-term replacement will define the final stretch of Las Vegas’ season.
