Overview

• Las Vegas was blown out 40-6 in Week 5 to fall to 1-4, the worst start of Pete Carroll’s head coaching career.
• Geno Smith leads the NFL with nine interceptions through five games, including two more in the loss to Indianapolis.
• Carroll defended Smith’s play and declined to make an in-game change, keeping recently acquired backup Kenny Pickett on the sideline during the blowout.
• Analytical reviews place Smith near the bottom of key metrics under Chip Kelly’s offense, including 28th in QBR, a 5.5% interception rate, and 30th in EPA per play, with several picks occurring without pressure.
• Team issues extend beyond quarterback play, with injuries to Brock Bowers, poor pass rush and third-down defense, and one report noting seven of Smith’s nine picks have preceded opponent scoring drives totaling 35 points.