Silver And Black Pride
After a Week 5 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Las Vegas Raiders sit at 1-4 and have more questions than answers.
Sunday’s loss makes it four in a row for the Raiders and two games that weren’t even competitive out of the last three. They’re also sitting at a negative 56 point differential on the campaign and aren’t even close to competing for a playoff spot, let alone a division title. As a result, head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith are taking plenty of heat.
Smith came into the contest leading the NFL in interceptions with seven and will continue to hold that distinction after tossing two more (and it should have been three) in Indianapolis. He continues to make the same mistakes over and over, but Carroll doesn’t seem to be willing to make a change under center.
The head coach was asked why he didn’t bench Smith and told reporters that the offense needs more practice together. So, it doesn’t sound like backup Kenny Pickett will be getting an opportunity anytime soon, despite the fanbase making it known that they’d like to see a change. Thus, Carroll’s job is getting called into question, too.
Special teams coach Tom McMahon should be on the hot seat as well. Las Vegas has gotten handled on special teams in a few games already.
Carroll says the wins are coming. I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for them, though.
To put things into perspective, the Raiders were 2-3 under Antonio Pierce at this point last year…
This will be a situation to monitor. Germaine Pratt has arguably been the Raiders’ best linebacker this season, and he didn’t even make the trip to Indianapolis. Carroll’s vague comments make it seem like something happened and there’s more to the story.
As far as Smith goes, the picture below feels pretty accurate.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes is one of Geno’s biggest supporters, and she’s not even in his corner anymore.
The Raiders’ X/Twitter account posted a picture of Smith with the caption: “Focused.” It aged like milk.
Chip Kelly sums up Raider Nation in this picture.
Las Vegas is struggling to keep up with the rest of the division; the gap feels like it’s getting wider by the week.
How many more games are you going to be able to watch at this rate?
