Like just about everyone else, Lincoln Kennedy believes the Raiders are getting an upgrade at quarterback in Geno Smith, but Kennedy does have one area of concern with the veteran quarterback as the offense looks to take step forward in Pete Carroll’s first season as head coach.
The Raiders have been bad in the redzone for years, and Smith struggled in the redzone at times last year with the Seahawks.
Kennedy says that’s the area he wants to see everyone improve in the upcoming season.
“My biggest concern with Geno Smith coming into the season is red zone efficiency, and that’s just completing the ball when you’re inside the 25 going in. I think it’s absolutely critical for the Raiders to have success,” Kennedy said on the Locked On Raiders Squad Show podcast.
“They were one of the poorest teams in the league last year when it came to red zone efficiency and Geno’s time up in Seattle didn’t really help his numbers. So that’s going to be my biggest concern,” Kennedy continued.
“Understanding the reads, understanding what space is available, and not necessarily taking unfounded risks, because there are more teams that want to back up and play defense in that area than be aggressive going after the quarterback. And they’re looking for an interception or a turnover. So that’s where Geno’s got to be mindful.”
If the Raiders aren’t able to improve their redzone production in 2025, it won’t be due to a lack of talent.
Offensively, the team has upgraded at running back, tight end (getting Mayer back) and most importantly, at quarterback.
Additionally, the offensive coaching staff now features offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who became the highest paid offensive coordinator in the NFL just weeks after winning the NCAA National Championship with Ohio State.
x: @raidersbeat
Last year, Smith played with the worst offensive line in the NFL, and without a running game to boot! I dare say he wasn’t very productive in the red zone. The years before, he wasn’t that bad. We, on the other hand, have been terrible in the red zone since the Gruden days!
I’m surprised Kennedy didn’t notice, considering he’s also a former lineman.