Insider Exposes Rough News for Raiders QB Geno Smith
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith might have a big problem heading into the NFL season. With the departure of Derek Carr, Smith is now the starting quarterback for the Raiders, a position that comes with high expectations and pressure to perform at a high level. However, Smith’s track record as a starting quarterback in the NFL is less than stellar, leading many to question whether he is truly capable of leading the Raiders to success.
Smith, a former second-round pick out of West Virginia, has had a turbulent career in the NFL. He began his career with the New York Jets in 2013, where he showed flashes of potential but ultimately struggled to establish himself as a consistent and reliable starter. After three seasons with the Jets, Smith spent time with the New York Giants and the Seattle Seahawks before signing with the Raiders in 2020.
Throughout his career, Smith has been plagued by turnovers and inconsistency, two issues that could prove to be his downfall as the starting quarterback for the Raiders. In his 40 career starts, Smith has thrown 36 interceptions and fumbled the ball 16 times, leading to concerns about his ability to protect the football and make smart decisions under pressure.
Furthermore, Smith has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, missing significant time due to injuries in multiple seasons. His durability is a major question mark heading into the NFL season, as the Raiders will need their starting quarterback to stay on the field and lead the team to victories.
In addition to his on-field struggles, Smith has also faced criticism for his leadership and decision-making off the field. In 2014, he was involved in a highly publicized altercation with a teammate in the Jets’ locker room, leading to questions about his maturity and ability to handle the pressures of being a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Despite these concerns, the Raiders have shown faith in Smith by naming him their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Head coach Jon Gruden has praised Smith’s work ethic and dedication to improving as a player, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the team to success.
However, the pressure is on for Smith to prove himself as a capable starting quarterback in the NFL. With a talented roster surrounding him, including star wide receiver Henry Ruggs III and running back Josh Jacobs, Smith will need to elevate his play and make the most of the opportunities presented to him.
One area where Smith will need to improve is his decision-making under pressure. Throughout his career, he has shown a tendency to force throws into tight coverage and make risky decisions that have resulted in turnovers. If he can learn to protect the football and make smarter choices with the ball, Smith could elevate his game and help the Raiders compete in a tough AFC West division.
Another key area for Smith to focus on is his accuracy and consistency as a passer. While he has shown flashes of potential as a downfield thrower, Smith has struggled to consistently hit his targets and deliver accurate passes on a consistent basis. Improving his mechanics and footwork could help Smith become a more reliable and efficient passer, allowing him to take advantage of the weapons around him and move the ball down the field effectively.
Furthermore, Smith will need to develop chemistry with his teammates and earn the trust of the coaching staff in order to succeed as the Raiders’ starting quarterback. Building a strong rapport with his receivers and offensive line will be crucial for Smith to establish himself as a leader on the field and earn the respect of his teammates.
Off the field, Smith will need to continue to work on his leadership skills and decision-making in order to prove himself as a reliable and trustworthy quarterback for the Raiders. Learning from past mistakes and showing maturity and professionalism in all aspects of his life will be essential for Smith to gain the trust of his teammates and coaches.
Overall, Geno Smith faces a daunting challenge as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. With questions surrounding his ability to protect the football, make smart decisions under pressure, and stay healthy throughout the season, Smith will need to work tirelessly to prove himself as a capable leader and playmaker for the team.
If he can rise to the occasion and meet the high expectations set for him, Smith has the potential to lead the Raiders to success and establish himself as a reliable and consistent starting quarterback in the NFL. However, if he fails to improve in key areas and address his weaknesses, Smith could find himself facing an uphill battle to secure his role as the Raiders’ starting quarterback and earn the trust and confidence of his teammates and coaches. Only time will tell if Geno Smith is up to the challenge of leading the Raiders to victory in the upcoming NFL season.
Source: Newsweek