Carroll backs Geno Smith: “I trust him”, despite interceptions.

Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll defended starting quarterback Geno Smith after their 33-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, where he recorded his thirteenth interception of the season.

I still believe in him a lot. He’s an incredible player, he’s giving his all and he’s working very hard. He hasn’t taken a step back in the whole process. He will come through for us.

Pete Carroll

Carroll pointed out that, in general, Smith played well despite the circumstances. The quarterback had to perform with an offensive line that included substitute left tackle Stone Forsythe and substitute center Will Putnam, due to injuries to starters Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson. Smith completed 27 of 42 passes (64.3%) for 238 yards, one touchdown, and a passer rating of 77.3. He was sacked four times and pressured on 16 of 49 pass attempts.

The Raiders’ game strategy reflected Carroll’s confidence in Smith, with 84% of plays designed for passing, the team’s highest rate since 2012. Las Vegas only ran the ball 12 times for 27 yards. Smith’s interception occurred in the second quarter when he attempted to send the ball to tight end Brock Bowers. Cowboys linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. deflected Smith’s pass, and safety Markquese Bell intercepted the ball. Carroll commented that Smith should have passed the ball to rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, who had a lot of open space. Carroll regretted the decision, indicating that Smith could have opted for a short 10-yard pass. Smith shares the league lead in interceptions with Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback of the Miami Dolphins, and it’s the most for a Raiders quarterback in the first 10 games in the last 30 years. The 35-year-old player ranks 29th in passer rating (80.9) and 31st in QBR (32.6).

Again, I just have to play better. I keep saying this, if something doesn’t look right, it’s my fault. That’s all you can do. It’s my fault. If your kids mess up in school, it’s my fault. If the car breaks down on the way to work, it’s my fault.

Geno Smith

Carroll has shown support for Smith during the Raiders’ 2-8 season. However, if these issues persist in the last seven regular season games, the 74-year-old coach could be forced to make a difficult decision at the quarterback position, both now and in the future. Backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell (wrist) was designated to return from the injured reserve list on October 29. Carroll indicated that the team will soon decide whether to activate O’Connell to the active roster or keep him on the injured reserve list for the remainder of the season. On Tuesday, Las Vegas cut safety Chris Smith II and released offensive tackle Leroy Watson IV from the practice squad, which could open the door for O’Connell to join the 53-man roster. Kenny Pickett has been the team’s second quarterback so far. Carroll stated that O’Connell has been training against the first-team defense to accelerate his development. The Raiders are shaping up to have a high pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Raiders are projected to have the fourth pick, with an 8.9% chance of securing the first pick and a 62.5% chance of being selected in the top five, which could position the team to select one of the top quarterback prospects. Smith signed a two-year, $75 million extension after being traded from the Seattle Seahawks. He has an $18.5 million cap hit and has no remaining guaranteed money on his deal after 2026. The Raiders will likely look for a quarterback in the offseason. For now, Smith remains the starter.

We just have to help him more, we have to protect him better.

Pete Carroll