Overview

• After a four-game skid, Smith has nine interceptions in five games with 1,176 yards, six touchdowns and a 65% completion rate.
• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the team does not plan an immediate benching, with expectations unchanged for Week 6 against the Titans.
• Scouts say Smith is late on releases and forces tight-window throws, and Dan Graziano relays league criticism that Kelly’s offense is not creating enough advantages.
• Las Vegas lacked tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer and left tackle Kolton Miller in Week 5, and context on two interceptions included an apparent missed offsides and route timing issues.
• Kenny Pickett is the primary in-house option as Aidan O’Connell nears a return, while Pete Carroll’s history with Smith and a two-year, $75 million deal point to a longer leash and outside ideas like Russell Wilson remain speculative.