The Las Vegas Raiders endured a crushing 31-0 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs, a performance that exposed serious offensive shortcomings. The Nevada team failed to put any points on the board while allowing the Chiefs to dominate on both sides of the ball. Yet amid the disappointment, there may be a glimmer of hope, Kenny Pickett could soon surpass Geno Smith as the team’s starting quarterback.
While it might seem unlikely that Pickett alone can turn around the Raiders’ season, his brief appearance against Kansas City suggested potential. Replacing veteran Geno Smith late in the game, Pickett showed flashes of accuracy, poise, and confidence that the offense has been lacking in recent weeks. His energy provided a small but noticeable spark to an otherwise stagnant attack.
For Head Coach Pete Carroll, the decision at quarterback could come sooner rather than later. Pickett, who joined the Raiders after a stint with the Cleveland Browns, may represent the fresh start the team needs. With Smith struggling to deliver consistent results, giving Pickett a chance under center could be the next logical step for a Raiders squad searching for answers.
Why Pete Carroll should give Kenny Pickett the starting role over Geno Smith
The Las Vegas Raiders faced one of their worst performances of the season in their 31-0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and much of the criticism has fallen on Geno Smith.The veteran quarterback endured a game to forget, failing to move the offense or create any scoring opportunities. His lack of rhythm and poor execution left the Raiders’ attack stagnant throughout the afternoon.
Smith’s numbers reflected his difficult outing, completing just 10 of 16 passes for 67 yards, with no turnovers but also no touchdowns. It was a flat performance that left fans frustrated and calling for change. At 35 years old, Smith’s inconsistency has become a major concern for a Raiders team desperate to find an offensive spark.
In response, Head Coach Pete Carroll gave Kenny Pickett a chance late in the game. Though his appearance was brief, going 2-for-2 for eight yards and losing one fumble, Pickett showed composure and energy, something the Raiders had been missing all game. Nevertheless, it is important to note that his performance, however, was not the best.
Now, Pete Carroll faces a pivotal decision. With Smith underperforming, giving Pickett more snaps could inject much-needed hope into a struggling Raiders offense searching for direction.
Pete Carroll struggles to meet expectations with the Las Vegas Raiders
Pete Carroll’s first season with the Las Vegas Raiders has fallen well short of expectations, turning into a campaign filled with frustration and inconsistency. With a 2-5 record, the Raiders’ only victories have come against the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans, while heavy losses to teams like the Chiefs, Colts, Commanders, Bears and Chargers
As the Raiders prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, key questions linger. Is Kenny Pickett ready to take over as starting quarterback, and does Pete Carroll still have the formula to guide this roster back to competitiveness in the 2025 NFL season?
Read the full article here
