The Raiders didn’t need another storyline after their fourth straight loss, yet Geno Smith delivered one anyway. Following Las Vegas’ 33–16 defeat to Dallas on Nov. 18, the veteran quarterback stepped up to the podium and turned himself into the franchise’s easiest target. He didn’t dodge responsibility. Instead, he grabbed all of it, almost daring critics to pile on as the season continues to spiral.
The NFL insider shared post-game interview clips where the QB blamed himself for the loss. The post reads,“Great soundbite from #Raiders QB Geno Smith 😅. “I keep saying this—if something doesn’t look right out there, blame it on me. If your kids mess up at school, blame it on me. If your car breaks down while going to work, blame it on me.”
A great soundbite from #Raiders QB Geno Smith😅
“I keep saying this— if something doesn’t look right out there, blame it on me…”
“If your kids mess up at school, blame it on me. If your car breaks down going to work, blame it on me.” pic.twitter.com/s5IFESIt6Z
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) November 18, 2025
Geno Smith Shoulders the Backlash As the Raiders’ Season Unravels
Geno Smith
Nov 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Geno Smith’s line landed like a punchline, but it came from a quarterback who knows he’s standing in the middle of a storm. The Raiders fell to 2–8 on the season, and frustration is turning public. Even though the offense has deeper problems, from a battered line to a vanishing run game, Smith has become the face of the collapse. That shift became obvious the moment his costly interception drew live criticism on national TV.
And the pushback didn’t wait until the postgame breakdown. It started during the second quarter, as Cowboys safety Markquese Bell picked off Smith’s deep throw intended for Brock Bowers.According to TalksSport, Peyton Manning, who was calling the play live on the ManningCast on Nov. 18, reacted instantly. As the ball drifted into danger, he blurted out, “No! No! No! … Dang, that’s a good drive too,” giving the turnover instant spotlight before Smith even left the field.
Likewise, the numbers only fueled the narrative. Smith finished 27-for-42 with 238 yards, one touchdown, and four sacks. Meanwhile, Bowers, his top weapon, saw 12 targets, yet the Raiders still mustered only 16 points. Furthermore, rookie Ashton Jeanty had nowhere to run, swallowed up for just seven yards. Every issue funneled back through the quarterback, fair or not.
Meanwhile, the disappointment was no less for Tom Brady. As a minority owner, he’s watching a franchise he bought sputter to the bottom of the AFC West. Reports from The Athletic noted that the team’s point differential stands at minus-98, and its playoff chances are now gone. When ownership tension meets another losing year, the quarterback always becomes the most straightforward answer. Smith sees that. He feels it. And based on his own words, he expects it.
Even though the Raiders have bigger structural flaws, Smith has chosen to wear the criticism. Whether it’s defiance, leadership, or exhaustion, he made one thing clear on Nov. 18: in Las Vegas this year, everything eventually lands on him.