Raiders Struggle Under Pete Carroll with 1-4 Start and Geno Smith's NFL-High Interceptions

The Las Vegas Raiders have struggled significantly during the 2025 NFL season, posting a 1-4 record and suffering a heavy 40-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Geno Smith, who signed a lucrative extension before the season, has been a key issue, leading the NFL with nine interceptions and performing poorly in several games, including consecutive multi-interception outings. Despite mounting criticism and calls for a benching, head coach Pete Carroll—who has a history with Smith—has chosen to keep him as the starter, emphasizing the need for more practice and team improvement rather than making immediate changes. Carroll and first-year Jets coach Aaron Glenn have both received criticism for their teams' poor starts, with some league executives pointing out their inability to run the ball and play defense effectively. Problems for the Raiders extend beyond the quarterback position, including special teams struggles and defensive lapses, all contributing to a disappointing start to Carroll's first season as the team's head coach. Both Carroll and Smith have expressed frustration but remain committed to improving the team's performance moving forward.