Raiders Stick With Geno Smith as Turnovers Pile Up and Calls Grow for Kenny Pickett
Pete Carroll cites practice continuity in keeping Smith as starter.
Overview
- Las Vegas is 1–4 after a 40–6 loss in Indianapolis, and Geno Smith leads the NFL with nine interceptions through five games.
- An ESPN-sourced report relayed by Dov Kleiman describes the organization as only “mildly” concerned but expecting Smith to improve soon.
- Carroll declined to play Kenny Pickett in the blowout, saying the offense needs in-game reps to run the system and build rhythm.
- Advanced analysis highlights regression: Smith’s off-target rate has risen to roughly 9.2% and his turnover-worthy play rate has about doubled to around 5.2%, with PFF tying him for the most such plays under pressure entering Week 6.
- Former Raiders Rashad Jennings and James Jones urged giving Pickett snaps or an evaluation, while Derek Carr publicly offered support and confidence in Smith.