Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders appear to have their starting quarterback set in Geno Smith, who led the Silver and Black to a Week 1 road victory over the New England Patriots.
Smith was efficient in his debut, completing 24 of 34 passes for 362 yards and one touchdown. His only scoring pass came early in the first quarter, a 26-yard connection with Tre Tucker.
The veteran also targeted rookie tight end Brock Bowers five times, racking up 103 yards, and later hooked up with fellow rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr. on a 36-yard fourth-quarter pass that helped secure the win.
Ahead of the Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, former Raiders pass rusher Khalil Mack shared his thoughts on Smith, as the veteran outside linebacker will be looking to disrupt the Silver and Black’s offense.
“I see a guy that’s a leader, man,” Mack said (h/tRaiders.com). “He’s leading that group and they’re playing some great football.”
Mack will be looking to get to Smith, which he didn’t do against the Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran pass rusher recorded one tackle in the 27-21 win over the Chiefs. It will be interesting to see if the Raiders’ offensive line can keep Mack away from Smith during the game.
Raiders QB Geno Smith Has Chargers Defense Worried
Although the weather elements played a factor in the passing game against the Patriots, that won’t be the case in Week 2, with the contest being at Allegiant Stadium, it bodes well for Smith to air out the football.
Moreover, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter expects the Raiders to air the football as Las Vegas play into Smith’s strength.
“Geno’s a great player,” Minter said (h/tRaiders.com). He’s always been, I think, kind of underrated in the NFL. His ability to throw the football, stand in the pocket. He can make every throw. Great, really accurate passer.”
Geno Smith Will Be a Problem for Opposing Teams
While it’s been one performance for the Raiders standout, CBS Sports’ Leger Douzable recently said having Smith under center could give opposing teams headaches throughout the season when they line up against Las Vegas.
“People are going to hate to see the Raiders on the schedule, and it’s because of Geno Smith,”Douzable said on the September 9 edition of “CBS Sports HQ.” “Nobody throws more perfect passes than him. He set a record for a quarterback debuting for the Raiders with 362 pass yards. Brock Bowers, I know he got banged up in the game, and it seems like he will be all right—over 100 yards.
“He’s still a mismatch that nobody wants to see, safety or a linebacker. Jakobi Meyers, I know he wanted a new deal. He played really well in that game. Me and you talked about Dont’e Thornton being that down-the-field threat. They got him the ball a few times. I think this is a team, like you said, the best of Ashton Jeanty. Now, we saw a physical run at the goal line, and that’s what he’s synonymous with.”
The Raiders have an opportunity to go 2-0, and with the game against the Chargers being nationally televised, it’s a chance for the Silver and Black to show the rest of the country that they are a playoff contender.