Geno Smith and 3 INTs: Raiders Fall to Chargers in Disastrous Game

Geno Smith and His Decisions: A Rollercoaster Duel for the Raiders

In the recent matchup, the audacity of Geno Smith, quarterback, became a double-edged sword. In the 20-9 loss to the Chargers, the player’s risky decisions were decisive. One of the few comeback opportunities vanished due to Smith’s aggressiveness. In a crucial third and 15 with 6:05 to play in the final quarter, he tried to connect with Jakobi Meyers despite double coverage. The pass was deflected by safety Derwin James and intercepted by Donte Jackson.

I don’t agree with some of the decisions made. I need to analyze what happened and see if I had other options.
Coach Pete Carroll

In Allegiant Stadium, Smith completed 24 of 43 passes for 180 yards, with three interceptions and a passer rating of 37. Each interception followed a similar pattern: ill-advised decisions that undermined the team’s momentum. In the first play of the game, he attempted a pass to Tre Tucker, but safety Alohi Gilman deflected the ball, which was intercepted by linebacker Daiyan Henley. Following Justin Herbert’s 60-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston, which gave the Chargers a 17-6 lead late in the second quarter, Las Vegas needed Smith to orchestrate a successful offensive series. However, Smith made a risky decision by throwing to Dont’e Thornton Jr. He rolled to the right, evading pressure, and threw to the rookie receiver near the end zone, where the ball was deflected and intercepted by safety Tony Jefferson.

These are things I have to learn and improve on. I take responsibility for what didn’t go well. I know I have to be much better for my team, and I will be.
Geno Smith

Since Smith became a starter in 2022, he has proven effective on long passes. In the last three seasons, he had a passer rating of 109.2 on passes of more than 10 yards. Against the Patriots in Week 1, Smith completed 4 of 5 passes for 120 yards, a touchdown, and a passer rating of 158.3 on long passes (over 20 yards). However, the Chargers’ defense changed the dynamic. Smith did not complete any of the 12 passes of more than 10 yards, tying the record for most attempts without completion since detailed records of each NFL game have been kept. Carroll considered that the team rushed in the passing game, which led Smith to force long passes.

I know interceptions are a big problem, but that’s not my concern. My concern is why we don’t complete short passes, and end up risking those throws.
Coach Pete Carroll

In general, the Raiders struggled on offense, which tarnished the defense’s good performance in the second half. The unit held Los Angeles to three points in the second half and kept the game within reach. Las Vegas also had problems in the trenches. The offensive line conceded 16 pressures and three sacks. Meanwhile, the Raiders only managed 68 rushing yards. Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty had 11 carries for 43 yards.