The Las Vegas Raiders offense made too many mistakes in last Sunday’s Week 4 defeat to the Chicago Bears. They committed four turnovers on offense, contributing to the 25-24 loss. Chip Kelly’s unit requires a cleaner performance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5.
We’ve identified three potential X-factors for the Raiders offense.
Geno Smith, QB
Raiders starting quarterback Geno Smith threw three interceptions for a second time versus the Bears. The gunslinging Smith, who leads the NFL in interceptions, needs to better protect the football in Indianapolis. Lou Anarumo’s defense will believe they can force him into multiple errors.
Stone Forsythe, OT
Stone Forsythe will make his first start at left tackle in place of injured blindside protector Kolton Miller. Pete Carroll coached Forsythe for years in Seattle and he believes he’s up for the task. The Colts have struggled to rush the passer, having posted the second-worst pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) in the league this season, per ESPN Analytics.
Michael Mayer, TE
Raiders superstar tight end Brock Bowers was downgraded to non-participation at Thursday’s practice due to his ongoing knee injury. Bowers’ status for Sunday’s showdown is truly questionable. The Raiders will ask a lot of Michael Mayer, who is likely to earn a sizable workload against the Colts.