Geno Smith on his performance: "[I] got to be a lot better" after Raiders' loss

The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a narrow 25-24 defeat against the Chicago Bears, further complicating their early-season struggles.

Why it matters: This loss drops the Raiders to a disappointing 1-3 record and raises questions about their quarterback play and overall team performance as they look to rebound in an increasingly competitive AFC.

What’s new: The game featured standout performances from both teams, but the Raiders' Geno Smith threw three interceptions, including a critical one that stunted the team's momentum.

  • Smith completed 14 of 21 passes for 117 yards, demonstrating flashes of potential overshadowed by costly turnovers.

By the numbers: Ashton Jeanty emerged as a bright spot for the Raiders, amassing 155 total yards and scoring three touchdowns.

  • He became the first rookie Raiders player since Bo Jackson in 1987 to achieve such a feat, marking a significant milestone in his young career.
  • The Raiders’ rushing attack combined for 240 yards, setting a franchise record for the most rushing yards in a loss.

Yes, but: While Jeanty's performance offers hope, Smith's struggles continue to weigh heavily on the team's prospects.

  • His league-high seven interceptions through four games indicate a pressing need for improvement in decision-making and ball security.
  • Following the game, Smith expressed frustration with himself, stating, "I’m upset the way that I turned the ball over and gave those guys chances."

What to watch: Injuries also played a role in the game, particularly Kolton Miller's sprained ankle and Eric Stokes knee injury, which could impact the Raiders' offensive line and defensive depth moving forward.

  • Miller's absence would further challenge the team’s ability to protect Smith, especially against aggressive pass rushers.

The big picture: As the season progresses, the Raiders must address their turnover issues if they hope to turn their fortunes around.

  • Head Coach Pete Carroll emphasized the importance of minimizing mistakes: "You can't expect to turn the ball over like that and win. It doesn't happen."

What’s next: Looking ahead, the Raiders face a crucial stretch of games that will test their resilience and adaptability.

  • With the pressure mounting, Smith and the offense must find ways to capitalize on Jeanty’s contributions while tightening their overall execution to avoid similar pitfalls.

The bottom line: The Raiders need to learn from this setback quickly, as continued inconsistency could derail their season aspirations in the unpredictable landscape of the NFL.

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