Chip Kelly defends Geno Smith's play: "I think he’s played really well for us."
The Las Vegas Raiders are grappling with significant offensive struggles, as evidenced by their recent 40-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Why it matters: The Raiders’ inability to effectively balance their offense—evident from their pass-heavy approach despite a struggling quarterback—could jeopardize their season and undermine their coaching staff's credibility.
- Currently ranked 30th in points scored, the Raiders have averaged just 16.6 points per game, raising questions about both strategy and execution.
What’s new: In their last outing against the Colts, the Raiders opted for 36 passing attempts compared to only 25 rushing attempts.
- This reliance on the passing game has drawn criticism, particularly from Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who suggested that the Raiders should adopt a more run-centric offensive scheme.
By the numbers: Geno Smith's performance reflects this imbalance, as he completed 25 of his 36 passes for 228 yards but also threw two interceptions, marking his third game with multiple picks this season.
- Smith has a passer rating of 75.6 and leads the league with nine interceptions, further complicating the Raiders' offensive outlook.
Yes, but: Chip Kelly, the Raiders’ offensive coordinator, defended his playcalling, indicating that not all interceptions are equally detrimental.
- "I think sometimes not all interceptions are the same," said Kelly, suggesting that some errors may stem from circumstances beyond the quarterback's control.
What to watch: As the season progresses, the effectiveness of the Raiders' offensive strategy will be crucial.
- With an average of 173 rushing yards in the last two games compared to just 72.3 in the first three, there is potential for improvement if they lean on their ground game more heavily.
Our thought bubble: The Raiders current trajectory raises questions about the future of their offensive scheme, especially if they continue to rely on Smith to carry the team without adequate support from the run game.
- The evolution of offense in the NFL suggests that a balanced attack tends to yield better results; thus, the Raiders may need to adapt quickly.
The bottom line: The combination of ineffective playcalling, a struggling quarterback, and an imbalanced offensive strategy poses a significant challenge for the Raiders as they aim to turn their season around.
- Without a serious reevaluation of their approach, the possibility of another disappointing season looms large.
