The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a 24-10 loss at the hands of Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in his first career National Football League start in Week 12.
The Raiders fell to 2-9 on the season and Las Vegas ownership responded by firing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly following the conclusion of the game. The team has scored 20 or more points in just four games this season and have allowed 20 or more points in eight of 11 games.
Quarterback Geno Smith had a solid game, completing 30 of 44 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception for the first time since Week 7. However, Smith took an abysmal 10 sacks for a total loss of 77 yards against a great Browns pass-rush.
Cleveland star edge rusher Myles Garrett recorded three sacks, four tackles for loss and six QB hits, making Smith’s life chaotic all day long.
Smith hasn’t proven he is the Raiders’ quarterback of the future with his play thus far, and at 35-years-old, it’s unclear how much Smith has left in the tank. He is at risk of being one-and-done like his offensive coordinator.
“At 2-9, this is a fair question. It hasn't helped that Smith has played behind a poor offensive line,” ESPN’s Ryan McFadden wrote Sunday. “Against the Browns, he was sacked 10 times and pressured 20. Outside of that, his performance wasn't bad (30-for-44, 285 yards and a touchdown), but the offense still struggled to find a rhythm with him under center. Las Vegas is far from being a playoff contender and could be in for significant offseason changes, which could start at quarterback, as Smith hasn't done enough to show he's the franchise guy.”
The Raiders had several chances to get back into the game, but special teams mistakes and lack of execution in the red zone set the scene for another disappointing loss in 2025.
“Down by 14 in the second quarter, the Raiders failed to turn around the game twice,” wrote McFadden. “Las Vegas reached Cleveland's 27-yard line, but the Raiders eventually attempted a 48-yard field goal that kicker Daniel Carlson missed. Then, Las Vegas edge rusher Charles Snowden picked off Sanders' pass and returned it to Cleveland's 26-yard line. The Raiders couldn't reach the end zone once again and had to settle for a field goal.”
Las Vegas will travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers in Week 13.