Geno Smith's deep shots backfire as Raiders fall 20-9 to Chargers

HENDERSON, Nev. — Raiders quarterback Geno Smith tied a career high with three interceptions and became the first NFL quarterback since 2015 to go at least 0-for-10 on throws of 10 yards or more as Las Vegas fell 20-9 to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.

Coach Pete Carroll said the Chargers made a concerted effort to take away the deep passing game and force Smith to rely on shorter routes, a strategy Carroll said his quarterback did not always follow. "They defended him well," Carroll said Tuesday. "In retrospect, it looked like it was really difficult to be hopeful, and he was trying to make something happen."

Smith acknowledged he forced throws and said he would be hard on himself in preparing for a quick turnaround. "I’m never going to make any excuses about anything," he said after the game. "I’ve got to be better. We got to be better, and we’ve got a short week to improve on that. I’m going to get better this week, find ways to get better from this film, and we’ll be better as a team as well."

The Raiders' inability to establish a run game remains a central problem. Las Vegas averaged a league-low 79.8 rushing yards per game last season and has slipped further this year, averaging 62 yards — ahead of only Cincinnati's 47. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, a sixth-round draft pick, showed incremental improvement, rushing for 43 yards on 11 attempts against the Chargers after a 38-yard outing in New England. Jeanty is averaging 2.7 yards per carry this season. Carroll said Jeanty is gaining comfort and expected him to continue developing with more snaps. "He felt more comfortable in this game. He looked good running the football," Carroll said.

Offensive-line problems that plagued the Raiders last season have persisted. Las Vegas invested in the line during the offseason, drafting two linemen in the third round and signing veteran Alex Cappa, but the group has not delivered a consistent running attack. One exception has been left tackle Kolton Miller, who received a three-year, $66 million extension in July and ranks highly in pass protection metrics. Pro Football Focus rates Miller third among 92 tackles in pass blocking and 10th overall.

Three trips to the red zone against the Chargers produced two field goals and a Smith interception, underscoring the Raiders' early-season scoring difficulties. The team is converting 25 percent of red-zone trips, the 29th-best rate in the league.

Las Vegas's defense provided stability, limiting the Chargers and keeping the score close. The defensive front has been stout against the run, ranking fourth in allowing 70.5 rushing yards per game, and is tied for eighth with six sacks. Maxx Crosby remains a driving force, and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu has emerged after stepping in for Christian Wilkins following Wilkins' dismissal. Laulu has three sacks after recording one in 17 games last season.

The Raiders now face a short week and a cross-country trip to Washington on Sunday, a quick turnaround coaches and players acknowledged would test the team's ability to correct mistakes and manage fatigue. Carroll said guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, who suffered a concussion, was expected to return to practice this week. Tight end Brock Bowers, limited by a knee issue, practiced once last week and caught five passes for 38 yards against the Chargers while not at full strength; Carroll said he anticipated increased productivity from Bowers in practice moving forward.

Monday night's outcome highlights a tension at the core of the Raiders' identity this season: a willingness to attack downfield while lacking the complementary run game and red-zone efficiency that often make deep passing viable. The coaching staff and Smith said they would review the tape and make adjustments quickly as Las Vegas attempts to rebound on the road with little time to prepare.