Brock Bowers Has Message for Geno Smith Amid Disappointing Raiders Start
It has been a season full of disappointment for the Las Vegas Raiders, but the two players who may be the most disappointed in their seasons are quarterback Geno Smith
The Raiders are 2-5 and are coming off a game where the offense got shut out and didn’t get to 100 yards of total offense. There have been many calls for the team to bench Smith in favor of Kenny Pickett or
It seems unlikely that the Raiders will make a move quite yet, and Smith should get some reinforcements with Bowers expected to return from injury. While things haven’t been going well, Bowers still thinks very highly of Smith and thinks the offense can figure things out.
“He’s a great guy. He’s a great guy. He’s a great locker room guy, too,” Bowers told Heavy Sports in a recent interview. “Really brings everyone together. And he’s a great quarterback and everything. I mean, had some unlucky breaks, obviously, early in the year. But I mean, that’s straightened out. We’re getting back on track.”
Greg Olson Talks Smith
Smith has been a very good quarterback for the previous three seasons. Some even saw him as a top-10 quarterback. Through seven games with the Raiders, there’s an argument that he’s been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL.
Quarterbacks coach Greg Olson has been working closely with Smith and believes that he’ll figure things out.
“He [Geno Smith] understands again; he has played for a long time. He understands the formula for winning football,” Olson said of Smith,
“He understands where we are in terms of the turnover margin, and he is a big part of it; we are all a big part of it. He has played through tough times, and he has been through adversity before at the quarterback position. He is going to battle back. And we have all the confidence in the world in him that he will battle back.”
Raiders Not Setting Smith Up for Success?
Smith hasn’t been playing well, but the Raiders also aren’t giving him much help. Bowers has been hurt, the wide receiver corps is struggling and the offensive line play has been poor. Plus, the Raiders’ offensive game plans haven’t been consistent.
Olson thinks the Raiders’ coaching staff needs to do a better job if the players are going to succeed.
“We gotta have a better job of putting our players in position to be successful,” Olson said. “It was kind of a snowball effect. We could not find the timing, the intent, and the purpose of plays, and getting in the right plays or getting bad plays, that is all. We will learn from it and grow and get better.
“The most important thing is maintaining focus on your job. Every position stays focused on that, then we get a chance to come together.”
Detroit Lions Defender Explains The Biggest Difference Between Aaron Glenn And Kelvin Sheppard
The Detroit Lions’ defense has been playing with a renewed sense of energy and passion this season, and much of the credit is being directed toward their new defensive coordinator, Kelvin Sheppard. While the scheme has roots in what former DC Aaron Glenn established, the difference in sideline demeanor and player connection is palpable. Cornerback Amik Robertson recently provided a fascinating look into this dynamic, explaining the key differences between the two coaches.
Detroit Lions: Robertson’s Take On Aaron Glenn Vs. Kelvin Sheppard
Appearing on “The St. Brown Brothers” podcast, Amik Robertson was asked by wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to compare the coaching styles of the current and former defensive coordinators. Robertson’s answer was direct and revealing, pointing to two key areas where Sheppard stands out: passion and personal connection.
“I think Shep is a little more passionate,” Robertson explained. “He understands me a lot more and he puts high expectations on me.”
This comment speaks volumes.
“Sometimes we feel like our coach is our teammate,” he said. “But of course you know you got to respect him at a different level.”
This “player’s coach” mentality, combined with an intense passion for the game, seems to be the perfect formula for this young and hungry Lions defense. Sheppard’s ability to connect with his players on a personal level while still commanding respect has been instrumental in the unit’s success.
The Sheppard Effect: Run Through a Brick Wall
Anyone who has watched the Lions this season has seen Kelvin Sheppard’s infectious energy on the sideline. He coaches with a “run-through-a-brick-wall” intensity that his players clearly feed off of. After the defense’s dominant performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football,” Sheppard was a major topic in national media, with many highlighting his sideline presence as a key motivator.
This visible passion is the most obvious difference between his style and that of Aaron Glenn. While Glenn was known for his calm and composed demeanor, Sheppard is an emotional and vocal leader. He is animated, constantly communicating with his players and celebrating their successes with genuine excitement. This energy creates an environment where players feel empowered and are motivated to match their coach’s intensity.
Robertson’s feeling that Sheppard “understands me a lot more” is crucial. It suggests that Sheppard is not just coaching a scheme; he is coaching individuals. He takes the time to understand what motivates each player and tailors his approach accordingly. By placing high expectations on a player like Robertson, Sheppard shows confidence in his abilities, which in turn inspires the player to elevate his game.
Building on a Foundation
It’s important to note that Sheppard’s success is not a complete departure from the past. Robertson acknowledged that it is clear Sheppard learned a great deal during his time as the linebackers coach under Aaron Glenn. The defensive scheme still carries many of Glenn’s principles, but Sheppard has added his own flavor and adjustments.
The transition from Glenn to Sheppard represents an evolution, not a revolution. The foundation was in place, but Sheppard’s unique leadership style has unlocked a new level of performance. He has taken a solid defensive framework and injected it with a potent dose of passion, energy, and personal connection. The results are evident on the field, where the Lions’ defense is playing faster, more aggressively, and with a noticeable swagger.
A Defense Forged in Fire
The difference between a good coach and a great one often comes down to the ability to connect with and inspire players. Amik Robertson’s comments provide a valuable window into why the Detroit defense is thriving. Kelvin Sheppard’s blend of youth, passion, and a deep understanding of his players has created a culture of accountability and high energy.
