Geno Smith’s Troubling Performance Raises Concerns for Raiders After Week 2 Loss
The Las Vegas Raiders hoped to revolutionize their quarterback situation by trading for Geno Smith. However, the expectation of a significant upgrade quickly faded following a disappointing performance in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders fell 20-9, and Smith’s night was defined by his inability to protect the football.
A Nightmarish Start
Smith’s struggles began early, throwing an interception on the very first play of the game. This poor decision set the tone for a lackluster outing where he finished with a dismal 24 completions on 43 attempts for just 180 yards, accompanied by three interceptions and no touchdowns. His inability to lead the Raiders to a single touchdown drive amplified the frustrations of fans and analysts alike.
In the second quarter, Smith further compounded his troubles with a risky pass intended for rookie Dont’e Thornton, which was another glaring mistake. The combination of these errors left observers questioning his judgment and decision-making.
Critical Reactions
The backlash from Smith’s performance was swift and loud. Fans took to social media to express their dismay, with one remarking that his stat line could rank among the worst in NFL history. “Geno Smith having 43 pass attempts for under 200 yards and 3 interceptions gotta be a top 5 worst stat line in NFL history,” one fan noted.
Local media echoed similar sentiments, describing the night as “miserable” for Smith. Critics pointed to his inconsistency, with one analysis stating, “The inaccuracy is mind-boggling. Can’t put air under the ball when he needs to and can’t put pepper on it when he needs to.” Another fan bluntly stated, “That loss was all on Geno Smith; that was some of the worst QB play I’ve seen in person.”
External Factors
While it’s important to acknowledge that the Raiders’ offensive line struggled to provide adequate protection, this does not fully excuse Smith’s frequent missteps. His propensity to put the ball in precarious situations proved detrimental to the team’s efforts.
Looking ahead, Smith and the Raiders are tasked with regrouping before their Week 3 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The team will need to address these issues quickly if they hope to turn the season around and escape the shadows of their early-season struggles.
