Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, who was backed by Tom Brady and head coach Pete Carroll for the role, is struggling to live up to the faith they placed in him. After his league-worst nine interceptions, the veteran quarterback now looks at whether he can turn things around before the season slips away.

Amid this, Dov Kleiman recently reported, “RUMORS: The Raiders are “mildly” concerned with Geno Smith.” He further wrote, “And know he needs to play better soon, per @JFowlerESPN Geno leads the NFL with NINE interceptions.”

Now, Smith had previously shown all the qualities that strengthened the team’s faith in him. He had a strong season with the Seattle Seahawks, and his bond with the coach influenced the Raiders’ decision to sign him. After signing a two-year deal with the franchise, he was expected to change things for the team.

However, Smith’s performance has been worse than the previous two QBs, Gardner Minshew and Jimmy Garoppolo. As the Raiders sit at a 1-4 start, the QB has struggled more than he has helped. Their 40-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts was the third game this season in which he threw multiple interceptions, which is a shocking difference from his time with the Seahawks, where it only happened eight times in 52 starts.

His nine interceptions this season are the most by a Raiders QB in the first five games since Jim Plunkett in 1982. He has yet to replicate the explosive performance he displayed in the season opener against the New England Patriots, where he completed 24 of 34 passes (70.6%) for 362 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a 67.8 QBR.

The pressure on the already frustrated Smith has grown more than ever, and he must make changes fast. Is Smith putting in enough work?

“People get caught up in results, and they want to look at statistics and try to place blame,” Smith shared. “Because that’s just how life goes, right when you’re in the position I’m in. I’m aware of the process, and I know exactly what I’m doing out there. Guys make plays on me, and I’ve got to be smarter with the ball in those situations.”

In this shockingly disappointing four-game losing streak, Smith has struggled, completing just 64% of his passes for 814 yards with five touchdowns. And his 30.3 quarterback rating places him as the third-worst among starters. But despite the underwhelming record, the team and coach Carroll have faith in the QB.

“[Smith’s] just got to keep doing it. He’s got to stay with it,” Carroll said. “We’ve got to continue to build around him, get the running game rolling, got to get our guys coming through on their plays, and he’s got to do his part also.”

Another former player who showed faith is Derek Carr.

Geno Smith receives an encouraging message from Derek Carr

The QB issues are indeed among the biggest challenges for the Raiders. And the growing frustration among the fans is understandable. There are talks about replacements, too. Amid this chaos, Carr, who spent nine years with the team, made a wholesome gesture to share a few words of encouragement for the quarterback.

He didn’t even hesitate to look back on his own career, recalling a similar rough patch that he once faced. He wasn’t able to take the Raiders to a playoff win during his stint. Addressing those tough days, Carr said, “Raider fans, I understand the frustration. Look, you’ve been frustrated at me before.”

“I understand. I’ve been there, but let me say this to Geno Smith. Geno, I understand frustration. I understand the tipped ball. It’s like, really, a tipped ball that gets picked, really? I understand the heart, the boiling, I understand, but guess what, Geno?”Carr said. You’re a good football player. Don’t forget how well you’ve played in some of these games. Don’t forget some of these throws that you’ve made.”

Not to mention that there have been comparisons between Carr and Smith. So, at a time when the QB’s game is highly criticized, a few words of support could make a real difference. Carr is confident in the quarterback’s talent. And for now, this is the hope the Raiders have.