Pete Carroll was expected to have a late-career resurgence with the Las Vegas Raiders. Instead, he has found himself in a difficult situation marked by widespread mockery and condemnation. One moment during Thursday’s game perfectly captured the struggles facing the veteran head coach.
Visiting their divisional rival, the Denver Broncos, Carroll watched as quarterback Geno Smith struggled on the field. Smith was sacked six times and suffered a knee injury in the process. Despite this, Carroll never considered substituting in Kenny Pickett, the quarterback the Raiders had traded for shortly after the preseason.
Fans were quick to voice their frustration. “Keeping in a limping Geno Smith was a choice,” one fan lamented. Another demanded, “Fire Pete.” A third commented, “Sticking with a one-legged Geno Smith over a QB you traded draft capital for shows how little you trust him, lmao.”
Smith eventually finished the game with 16 completions for 143 yards and an interception. Running back Ashton Jeanty was the only player to surpass 60 scrimmage yards, finishing with 60 rushing yards and 3 receiving yards. New signing Tyler Lockett led the Raiders in receiving with 40 yards on five receptions. Meanwhile, tight end Brock Bowers was largely contained, catching just one pass for 31 yards.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-nfl-fans-grill-pete-carroll-benching-geno-smith-despite-injury-raiders-lose-10-7-broncos
