Overview

• The Raiders are 1-4, and Geno Smith leads the NFL with nine interceptions through five games.
• After Pete Carroll suggested the play-calling has not helped Smith and called for more runs, Chip Kelly defended his plan as balanced, citing 25 rushes and 36 passes in the last game.
• Smith attributed many interceptions to tipped balls, but a Just Blog Baby review said only one was batted at the line and several picks were not deflected.
• Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr posted a video encouraging Smith to stay confident and keep leading the team.
• Newsweek, citing ESPN reporting, described tension between GM John Spytek’s draft-focused rebuild and Carroll’s win-now aims, and noted Smith’s $18.5 million 2026 guarantee gives post-season flexibility as Week 6 is viewed as a chance to steady the situation.