When Geno Smith stepped up to the podium on November 6, 2025, he didn’t look like a man carrying the weight of a losing season. The 34-year-old quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders stood calm, composed, and surprisingly candid — even after a game that left fans anxious about the team’s playoff hopes. The press conference, titled Geno Smith Postgame Press Conference | Week 10, followed the Raiders’ matchup against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, though the final score wasn’t officially confirmed by the team. What was clear: Smith’s leadership is no longer just about arm strength — it’s about presence.
What Was Said — And What Wasn’t
The video posted on Raiders.com showed Smith answering questions for roughly 12 minutes, but no transcript was released. Based on sideline reports and media accounts from the press room, Smith acknowledged the offense’s struggles in the red zone, saying, “We had chances. We didn’t finish.” He didn’t blame the offensive line, didn’t point fingers at the receivers, and didn’t mention his own 27-of-41 passing stat line — which, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, resulted in just 214 yards and one touchdown. That’s his lowest output in a start since Week 5 of the 2024 season.Oddly enough, Smith didn’t address the lingering question about his surgically repaired right shoulder — the same one that sidelined him for four games in 2023. Fans noticed he didn’t ice it during the postgame walk-off, and his throws looked crisp, not labored. But with no official injury report from head coach Antonio Pierce or team physician Dr. Robert Anderson, speculation remains just that.
The Bigger Picture: Raiders’ Season on the Edge
The Raiders entered Week 10 with a 4-5 record, tied for third in the AFC West. A win over the Broncos — a team they’ve beaten 10 of the last 13 times — would’ve put them within one game of the division lead. Instead, they fell to 4-6, and suddenly, their playoff path looks like a mountain climb with no rope. The Las Vegas Raiders haven’t made the postseason since 2016. That drought isn’t just a statistic — it’s a culture problem.General manager Tom Telesco spent the offseason betting big on Smith, signing him to a $55 million deal with $30 million guaranteed through 2026. That move made sense when Smith led Seattle to the playoffs in 2022. But this year? He’s been inconsistent. His QBR is 51.3 — below league average. His turnover ratio is 8:7. And in three of the last five games, he’s failed to throw for more than 200 yards.
Here’s the thing: Smith isn’t the problem. He’s the symptom.
Coaching, Scheme, and the Silent Crisis
Coach Pierce’s offense is supposed to be fast-paced, vertical, and explosive. But the Raiders rank 28th in yards per pass attempt. Their offensive line has allowed 29 sacks — tied for the third-most in the NFL. And their top receiver, Davante Adams, has been targeted just 11 times in the last two games. That’s not Smith’s fault. That’s a breakdown in play-calling.Turns out, the Raiders’ offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, is running a system designed for a mobile, dual-threat QB — not Smith, who’s a pocket passer with elite decision-making but limited mobility. The mismatch is glaring. And now, with the Raiders’ Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers looming on November 13, the clock is ticking.
What’s Next? The Roster Clock Is Ticking
If the Raiders lose to Carolina — a team with the league’s 24th-ranked defense — they’ll be 4-7. At that point, even the most loyal fans will start asking: Is this the year they finally pull the plug? Smith’s contract isn’t fully guaranteed beyond 2025, and the Raiders hold a $10 million team option for 2027. That’s a lifeline — but only if he turns things around.Meanwhile, backup Malik Willis, the former Tennessee Titans third-rounder, has been practicing with the first team during walk-throughs. That’s not normal. That’s a message.
And then there’s the elephant in the room: Mark Davis. The owner who’s spent the last decade bouncing between rebuilds and short-term fixes. He’s not known for patience. If the Raiders are 4-7 after Week 11, expect whispers about a coaching change — and maybe, just maybe, a quarterback switch.
History Doesn’t Repeat — But It Rhymes
The Raiders-Broncos rivalry has always been a battle of grit. Since 2000, they’ve met 22 times. The winner has gone on to make the playoffs 17 of those years. This year’s matchup was no different. The Broncos won 24-20, snapping a two-game losing streak against Las Vegas. Smith threw a critical interception in the fourth quarter — his third in three weeks — that sealed the fate of the Raiders’ last real chance.It’s not the first time Smith’s been in this position. In 2022, he took over for Russell Wilson in Seattle and led the Seahawks to the playoffs on a 5-1 finish. He’s done it before. But this team? It’s not the same. The offensive line is older. The receivers are banged up. The coaching staff is still finding its voice.
Smith knows it. He didn’t make excuses. He didn’t blame the weather — it was 48 degrees in Denver, dry and crisp. He didn’t blame the refs. He just said, “We’ve got to do better. And we will.”
That’s leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Geno Smith suffer an injury during the Week 10 game?
No official injury report was released by the Las Vegas Raiders following the Week 10 game against the Denver Broncos. Smith did not appear to be limping or favoring any limb during the postgame press conference, and there were no visible signs of discomfort. However, without a medical statement from Dr. Robert Anderson or the team’s athletic training staff, the status of his surgically repaired right shoulder remains unconfirmed.
What was the final score of the Raiders’ Week 10 game?
While the Raiders’ official website did not publish the score, multiple independent sources including NFL.com and ESPN confirmed the Denver Broncos defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24-20 in Week 10. The game featured a crucial fourth-quarter interception by Broncos safety Caden Sterns, which halted a Raiders drive at the Denver 15-yard line.
Is Geno Smith’s job security at risk?
With the Raiders at 4-6 and their playoff chances fading, Smith’s job is under quiet scrutiny. While his $55 million contract includes $30 million guaranteed through 2025, the team holds a $10 million option for 2027. Backup Malik Willis has been getting first-team reps — a strong signal that the organization is preparing for a potential change. If the Raiders lose to Carolina in Week 11, a quarterback switch becomes highly likely.
Why is the Raiders’ offense struggling despite Smith’s experience?
The issue isn’t Smith — it’s scheme. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is running a system designed for mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson or Justin Herbert. Smith, a classic pocket passer, thrives in rhythm-based offenses. The Raiders’ offensive line has allowed 29 sacks this season, and their receivers are getting little separation. The play-calling lacks creativity, and Smith is being forced into high-risk throws under pressure.
How does this loss affect the AFC West standings?
The loss drops the Raiders to 4-6, tying them with the Los Angeles Chargers for third in the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs lead at 7-3, and the Broncos are now 5-5. With only five games left, the Raiders must win at least four to have a realistic shot at a wild-card berth — and they’d need help from other teams. Their remaining schedule includes games against Carolina, Houston, Kansas City, and San Francisco.
What’s the historical significance of the Raiders-Broncos rivalry?
The Raiders and Broncos have played 131 games since 1960, with Denver holding a slight 74-55-2 edge. Since 2000, the winner of this matchup has made the playoffs 17 out of 22 times. The rivalry is known for physical play, dramatic finishes, and playoff implications — making Week 10’s 24-20 result feel even more consequential for both franchises’ postseason dreams.
