The Las Vegas Raiders looked like they might have a chance to turn their season around against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9. The Jaguars haven’t been playing well and are dealing with a lot of injuries.
However, the Raiders do what the Raiders do and figured out how to lose in the end. Geno Smith has been atrocious for the team this season, but he seemed to find his stride somewhat against Jacksonville. He threw four touchdowns and helped give the Raiders a chance to win in overtime.
Unfortunately, with the game on the line, Smith faltered again. The Raiders went for a two-point conversion at the end of overtime to try and win. Smith had multiple receivers open in the end zone, but threw it right in the hands of a Jaguars defender, and the ball was batted down. That ended the game with the Raiders getting their sixth loss of the season.
Fans have not liked what they’ve seen from Smith, and they are livid that he blew the game at the end.
“Jakobi wide open middle of the field in front of him.. Geno throws to the corner,” one fan wrote on X.
“GENO SMITH YOU SUCK,” another fan wrote.
“Threw it right at the only guy who jumped in the air. What is actually wrong with Geno Smith,” a fan commented.
Step in the Right Direction for Smith
The good news for the Raiders is that they could realistically be 5-3 if Smith were playing more consistently. He had three interception games against the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears that could’ve been wins if it weren’t for those turnovers. This loss against the Jaguars could’ve been different if Smith had been more decisive with the ball on the two-point conversion.
While Smith ultimately cost the Raiders the game on the last play, he wasn’t the team’s biggest problem. The defense played very poorly in the second half, and if Daniel Carlson doesn’t miss an extra point in the first half, the game might not even go to overtime.
Smith threw four touchdowns and 284 yards. It was his best game as a Raider, but there is still room for improvement. This game should save him from getting benched for at least another week.
Raiders Playing For Draft Position Now
This was a game the Raiders had to win. If they won, they’d be 3-5, which would’ve at least kept them in the mix. They now have to travel to Denver on a short week to face the 7-2 Broncos on Thursday Night Football.
At this point, the Raiders are likely playing for draft position. The team needs more talent, and the easiest way to find talent is through the draft. The Raiders should focus on playing young players the rest of the way.
There’s no reason to keep giving reps to struggling veterans when the playoffs are effectively out of reach. Perhaps a win over Denver changes the thinking, but a loss on Thursday should solidify the Raiders’ plan to focus on youth the rest of the season.
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