Raiders: Pete Carroll and Geno Smith, in crisis after humiliating defeat

Pete Carroll and the Raiders: A Complicated Start

Pete Carroll’s optimism began to fade on Sunday afternoon. The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a tough 40-6 loss to the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, marking their fourth straight loss and the largest point differential since 2021. The Raiders’ performance in the last four weeks has been the opposite of what Carroll expected in his first season as coach. In July, during the first day of training, he proudly stated: “We are going to win a lot, and I don’t care who hears it.” However, the Raiders now have a 1-4 record, the worst start in Carroll’s coaching career. The reunion with Geno Smith has also not gone as expected. The starting quarterback threw two interceptions against the Colts’ defense, raising his total to nine, the highest in the league.

“I’m processing it poorly, to be honest, because I expected to win from the start,” Carroll admitted.

Pete Carroll

All the problems that have plagued Las Vegas became evident in Indianapolis. Special teams struggled again. The Colts blocked a punt, which resulted in an ankle injury for All-Pro AJ Cole. Daniel Carlson, who took over kicking duties, missed a 57-yard field goal attempt. Additionally, the Raiders’ special teams nearly conceded a 98-yard kick return touchdown. Although the Las Vegas defense limited Indianapolis to 96 rushing yards, the Colts took advantage of good field positions, going 6-for-6 in the red zone. They also had an impressive 8-for-10 on third down. “They out-executed us,” Carroll said. “… We couldn’t get off the field, and that’s why they were able to sustain their offensive drives.” After the match, Smith showed frustration. His turnovers have been a chronic problem in the team’s disastrous start, throwing multiple interceptions for the third time in five games. Smith’s nine interceptions are the most for a Raiders quarterback in the first five games of a season since 1982. The last time a quarterback recorded nine interceptions in his team’s first five games was Zach Wilson for the New York Jets in 2021.

You have to go through the process, man,” Smith said. “… We hate it, and I hate it more.

Geno Smith

Unlike their opponents, the Raiders did not capitalize in the red zone, going 0 for 4 in those situations. Smith’s first interception occurred on the Colts’ 11-yard line. Carroll considered turning to backup quarterback Kenny Pickett at the end of the game, but believed Smith and other starters needed more practice.

We need the reps… We need to run the system,” Carroll said. “We need to see the players get a chance to improve. It’s not a big change.

Pete Carroll

Carroll and the Raiders had reasons for hope. Running back Ashton Jeanty received a boost when the team selected him in the first round, and players like Crosby were returning from injuries. But the team that Carroll believed the Raiders could be still hasn’t shown up. It also doesn’t help that All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers hasn’t been at his best. Bowers missed Sunday’s game due to a knee injury. For the Raiders, the only positive aspect after their third loss by more than ten points is that there are still 12 games left to play.

When life gives you problems, you have to find a solution and fix it,” said Raiders linebacker Devin White. “That’s what we’re doing right now.

Devin White