Raiders' offensive-line woes leave Geno Smith under siege, Ashton Jeanty stifled
Jackson Powers-Johnson could reclaim starting right guard job after concussion sidelining; Las Vegas grapples with pass protection and a struggling run game as it prepares for Sunday's matchup.
The Raiders' offensive-line woes intensified after a 41-24 loss at Washington, leaving quarterback Geno Smith under constant duress and stifling rookie Ashton Jeanty. Las Vegas is weighing a return to its season-opening lineup, with coach Pete Carroll indicating Jackson Powers-Johnson could reclaim the starting right guard job from Alex Cappa.
On Monday, Carroll said Powers-Johnson, who has not played since the opener because of a concussion, will have the chance to win back his starting right guard position from Alex Cappa. “In all phases of it, we got to get off the football better and make more of the running game,” Carroll said. “There’s not enough happening there to act on the play-(action) pass game. So we just got to keep working it. We got the guys we got, and we need to keep developing and keep building on it.”
Geno Smith was sacked five times in Sunday’s 41-24 loss, and he was hit on eight other plays, yet he still threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns. The Raiders have allowed 12 sacks this season, tied for second-worst in the league, a trend that has stretched the line’s accountability across the offense.
Jeanty had his best game as a Raider with 63 yards on 17 carries. ESPN noted he was hit behind the line of scrimmage on 11 of those handoffs, limiting his impact three games into his NFL career. He has gained 144 yards on 3.1 yards per carry so far this season.
The Raiders rank 30th in the league with 3.06 yards per rush, a stat that has constrained the team’s offense even when Smith has found open targets downfield.
Third-year wide receiver Tre Tucker has shown progress in practice and flashed production in game action, with eight catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns in the Commanders’ game, including a 61-yard score that showcased his speed and route-running ability.
Special teams were a mess. Washington opened the game with a 69-yard kickoff return to set up a quick touchdown, and a punt return for 90 yards later in the game extended the scoring swing. Las Vegas also misplayed two kickoff returns on its end, contributing to field-position challenges throughout.
TE Michael Mayer remains in the concussion protocol, but Carroll said he was hopeful of a return soon.
The Raiders became the first team since 1999 to allow plays of 50 or more yards on a kickoff return, a punt return and a run in the same game, a notable historical note that underscores the extent of the special-teams and coverage breakdowns. Las Vegas now shifts attention to its upcoming matchup with the Chicago Bears on Sunday.