The most popular player on a team that is struggling - especially offensively - is always the backup quarterback.
Especially when said backup gets a shot and plays well.
And after Kenny Pickett's play in mop-up duty in the Raiders' 24-17 loss to the Broncos, well, here we are.
No, this is no full-blown QB controversy. Not when the team is 2-11 and in line for a top two draft pick. But given Geno Smith's struggles this season and the injuries he suffered to a shoulder and his passing hand Sunday, again, here we are.
"I've seen a lot of Kenny in practice," said Raiders coach Pete Carroll. "I always come back to that. He's active, he's quick, he's really athletic, he's a good thinker, he's a really clearly competitive guy that gets situational football and knows what's going on.
"I've seen nothing but positive stuff. His mentality - and I'm coaching the hell out of him because I want him to be ready if the opportunity pops - this is exactly how we did it with Geno for years. However long it takes for the opportunity, he's going to be ready to go."
Did you pick up what Carroll put down there, about how he coached up Smith as a backup "for years" before his opportunity came in Seattle?
Again, this is not to hint that Pickett is in line to supplant Smith under center (or even in the pistol or shotgun).
It's all food for thought as the Raiders head into the final four games of the season, starting with Sunday's game at the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles.
Yes, Pickett's former team.
Sometimes, these things write themselves…unless they don't. Because as Carroll said, so long as Smith is healthy enough to play, he's still his guy.
But Smith, enduring three more sacks to raise his season total to a league high-tying 49, had skin ripped off his fingers after being stepped on and, as Carroll said, trainers had to stop the bleeding, and Smith later took a shot to the shoulder that ended his day.
The bonus, for lack of a better word, was seeing Pickett operate the Raiders offense with equal parts confidence and, later in the fourth quarter, precision.
Pickett misfired on a 4th-and-goal throw from the 5-yard line, overthrowing Brock Bowers near the back of the end zone on the second snap of the fourth quarter.
But after that?
"It felt good to get in a rhythm and play a little bit," said Pickett, who completed 8-of-11 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown while taking a sack.
"Obviously, it's definitely a challenge coming in off the bench in a game, just trying to find a rhythm. Glad we got to get some points."
Pickett played the entire fourth quarter, engineering a six-play, 65-yard scoring drive that culminated with that 25-yard TD pass to Shedrick Jackson that Carroll labeled "exquisite" to pull the Raiders within 24-14 with 2:22 to play.
In the last minute, Pickett drove the Raiders from their own 28-yard line to Denver's 28, where Daniel Carlson booted a 46-yard field goal as time expired.
Smith, who passed for 116 yards while completing 13-of-21 attempts with a 15-yard TD pass to Bowers that tied the score at 7-7 in the first quarter, was not available to the media after the game as he had to undergo treatment for his maladies.
But his grimaces for the pain he felt as he got ready at his locker spoke volumes.
As did Carroll, when asked if he would be comfortable starting Pickett, a first-round draft pick of the Steelers in 2022, at Philadelphia.
"Let's just wait and see what happens, OK?" Carroll said with a grin. "I'm going to do what I think is the right thing to do and if Geno can play, that's my thought.
"But I know Kenny can play."
See, no QB controversy.
"I'm rooting for Geno to get back out there and see how he does," Carroll added. "But we're not going to play him if he's not right."
Such is the life for a backup QB - stay ready so you don't have to get ready.
"I've always tried to be as prepared as I can be," Pickett said. "The only thing you don't get as the backup is the reps, which is a huge piece. But outside of that, it's constant communication with Geno, the offensive line, the receivers, just so we're all on the same page in case something happens - like it did today - and you can go in there and operate and play good football.
"So, always be ready for when my number's called."
Indeed, Pickett has no illusions, or delusions, about potentially starting against the team he spent all last season with. Pump that talk back a little bit.
For now.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with running back Ashton Jeanty (2) after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with quarterback Geno Smith (7) after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) and cornerback Dairen Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) and defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and safety Tristin McCollum (27) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) makes a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) celebrates after making a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) celebrates with guard Alex Cappa (65) after making a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
