Geno Smith’s Historic Debut for the Raiders
In his inaugural start with the Las Vegas Raiders, Geno Smith etched his name alongside some of the franchise’s all-time greats. Smith’s impressive performance against the New England Patriots saw him complete 70.5% of his passes, racking up 362 yards along with one touchdown and one interception, leading the Raiders to a 20-13 victory in Week 1.
Joining an Elite Group
With this achievement, Smith becomes only the sixth quarterback in Raiders history to throw for over 350 yards while completing at least 70% of his passes in a single game. The Associated Press highlighted that he joins the ranks of notable Raiders quarterbacks such as Daryle Lamonica, Jim Plunkett, Carson Palmer, and Derek Carr, each of whom has accomplished this feat just once. Rich Gannon holds the record with three such performances across 74 starts.
Proving His Worth
As the Raiders aim for a revitalized season, Smith’s debut serves as a promising sign of the upgrade they sought at the quarterback position. Head coach Pete Carroll remarked, “Geno had a regular game today. I don’t think it was a statement game or anything like that; I just think it was what he does.”
Smith himself echoed a sense of calm and confidence, stating, “I’m me. That’s all I think about. I don’t think about nothing else. I know who I am. I know what I can do… I just know who I am, and I know what I can do on that field, so I never worry.”
Offensive Challenges Ahead
Despite Smith’s solid outing, the Raiders’ offense still faces hurdles. The offensive line struggled to create opportunities for the rushing game, resulting in Smith being sacked four times. However, there were bright spots, particularly within the wide receiver corps, which had been under scrutiny heading into the season. Brock Bowers, in particular, showcased his elite talent, contributing to a more dynamic passing game.
Potential for Growth
Overall, the Raiders displayed a commendable performance in their season opener, but there is a palpable sense that the best is yet to come. With Smith at the helm and the potential for growth in the offense, Las Vegas fans have reason to be optimistic as the season unfolds.
