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(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The Las Vegas Raiders fell 25-24 to the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on September 28, losing the game after a blocked field goal in the final moments.

Geno Smith had a difficult outing, completing 14 of 21 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions. Turnovers have continued to be a problem for the veteran, who now has seven interceptions on the season, several coming over the past three weeks.

While there’s a lot of criticism coming down Smith’s way, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty is backing his quarterback, noting that the former Seattle Seahawks signal-caller has been there for him this season when he’s struggled.

“Just being a great teammate,” Jeanty told reporters on October 1. “When I’ve made bad plays, Geno has been one of the first people to come up to me and say, “Hey, you got this. You’re one of the best players on this team. We’re going to need you.” I’m keeping that same mentality with him, letting him know I’ve got his back, no matter what happens on the field.

Raiders Are Backing Geno Smith Despite Struggles

Even with increasing speculation about giving Kenny Pickett an opportunity, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll is sticking with Geno Smith as his starting quarterback.

“I’m not worried about his confidence,“ Carroll said while talking to the media on September 29. “He knows, and he has to re-evaluate the timing of the choice. He was too comfortable in the throw; he ripped it—he ripped both those throws—feeling like the ball was going to get there. What I’m concerned about is making sure we’re practicing him so he understands some of those throws aren’t there.

“He hits everything in practice, and he’s ridiculously accurate, and has been the whole time we’ve been together. He’s really confident, and he thought he could get it, but game speed was a little different. That’s where he grows—the game speed is a little different than the practice we can create.”

Raiders QB Geno Smith Ready to Bounce Back

After the Raiders‘ tough loss, Geno Smith was candid about his performance, acknowledging his struggles and criticizing his own play against the Bears during a challenging stretch in recent weeks.

“No. 1, take care of the ball, not throwing interceptions,“ Smith told the media after the loss. “That’s the simplest way I can put it to you. First of all, I owe it to my teammates to go out there and play better. I felt like we had a great week of practice; I felt like the process was there.

“I felt like I was feeling good about what I was seeing. The game plan was great. Guys fought their tails off. We deserve to get this win and I let those guys down. So, there’s a lot of things I’m going to have to fix within myself. That’s the reality.”

It will be interesting to see if Smith can bounce back as the Silver and Black travel to face the Indianapolis Colts on October 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium.