NFL Insider Says Raiders are ‘Mildly Concerned’ by Geno Smith’s Struggles

Las Vegas Raiders veteran quarterback Geno Smith’s early struggles this season are reportedly starting to raise questions about his effectiveness as a starter.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that he feels the Raiders are “mildly concerned” about Smith’s performance amid their 1-4 start to the season. However, Fowler noted that it’s unlikely that Las Vegas will make a change anytime soon.

“The Raiders know Smith has to play better — and soon — but there’s no sentiment that Smith is a broken quarterback,” Fowler stated. “So I’m not expecting him to get benched or anything this week. Scouts I’ve talked to believe Smith has been too late with the ball this season and is relying on arm talent to force throws into tight windows.”

Smith threw for 228 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in a demoralizing 40-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday. Through five games, he’s thrown for 1,176 yards, six touchdowns and a league-high nine interceptions.

Still, Fowler gave Smith the benefit of the doubt and said that his two picks against the Colts “weren’t blatantly bad decisions.” ESPN’s Dan Graziano added that while there’s a chance the Raiders consider making the switch to backup quarterback Kenny Pickett at some point this season, the team’s struggles aren’t solely because of Smith.

“What I’m hearing from a lot from people around the league is that offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s scheme isn’t creating enough advantages to overcome the Raiders’ personnel deficiencies, and there’s no margin for error if Smith keeps turning the ball over as much as he has,” Graziano stated.

Smith and the Raiders will try to end their four-game losing streak when they meet the Tennessee Titans (1-4) in Week 6.

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