Raiders cornerback Sean Smith allowed three receptions on five targets Sunday against New Orleans, every one a costly big play.
He gave up a 25-yard catch to Saints rookie Michael Thomas. He gave up a 49-yard catch to Willie Snead and a 98-yard touchdown strike to Brandin Cooks that was his last play of the day.
Head coach Jack Del Rio put Smith on the bench and left him there, moving slot corner DJ Hayden outside and added TJ Carrie in Hayden’s spot. It was an interesting decision to remove a player given a contract worth up to $40 million to be the team’s shutdown cornerback.