Raiders’ Season Takes a Nosedive as Geno Smith Faces Relentless Sack Pressure
The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2023 season with optimism fueled by strategic changes in both coaching and roster composition. These adjustments seemed to set the stage for a promising campaign, making the expectations for the team not only reasonable but also justifiable. However, what began as a hopeful journey has rapidly descended into turmoil for the Raiders.
From the moment Geno Smith launched his first pass as a Raider at Allegiant Stadium, the team’s fortunes have spiraled downward. With each passing week, the challenges have mounted, and as the season nears its conclusion, the search for solutions appears increasingly futile.
Struggles Pile Up for the Raiders
The numbers tell a stark story. The Raiders have managed to win only one of their last 11 games, a staggering statistic that has left fans and analysts alike questioning the direction of the franchise. Now, as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos for the second time in a month, Las Vegas finds itself in a precarious position against a familiar divisional rival.
In a recent assessment, head coach Pete Carroll acknowledged the mounting difficulties Smith has encountered, especially given the alarming rate at which he has been sacked this season. Over the past two games alone, Smith has been brought down a staggering 15 times, an alarming trend that underscores the challenges facing the Raiders’ offensive line.
A Coach’s Perspective on Smith’s Journey
Carroll highlighted the importance of providing Smith with support amid these challenges. “It’s been really important because we started so far off. We got all those picks that started out early in the season,” he explained. The coach emphasized the need to shield Smith from the mounting pressures that have plagued the team since the outset.
“It wasn’t all him at any time,” Carroll pointed out, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the Raiders’ struggles. The burden of blame often falls on the quarterback, and Carroll is acutely aware of the weight Smith carries. “He knows he’s going to carry the burden, and he’s going to be the one everybody’s pointing the finger at,” he added.
The coach’s commitment to Smith is clear. “I wanted to make sure and stay with him and hang through that and get him back to his football,” Carroll said. He believes Smith has made significant progress in regaining his rhythm and confidence, stating, “He really has turned the corner in that regard.”
As the Raiders prepare for their next matchup, the hope is that the tide can turn, but the road ahead remains steep. The team must rally together to find a way to reverse their fortunes and reignite the spark that once promised a brighter season.
