Geno Smith is a stud in a play-action-heavy passing game
The No. 7 who showed up against the Jaguars was exactly what Raider Nation expected when the team acquired Smith to be the team's QB1 for 2025 and beyond. The veteran pounded the strike zone with fastballs to Bowers, Jeanty and a collection of unheralded pass catchers. Although Kelly helped the two-time Pro Bowler find his rhythm as a passer by featuring several bootleg and naked pass combinations, Smith deserves credit for taking the layup when a risky throw could have produced an explosive play or turnover.
By scaling back on the high-risk throws and focusing on stringing together completions, Smith was able to rebuild his confidence while keeping the offense on schedule. With the Raiders throwing on unpredictable downs, the veteran was able to take advantage of a defense that was focused on slowing down Jeanty and a potent running game.
Moreover, the illusion of runs followed by bootlegs tested the eye discipline of the Jaguars' second-level defenders (linebackers and defensive backs), while creating easy reads for the veteran. The effectiveness of the flat-drag/crossing route combination helped Smith efficiently pick apart the defense with low-risk throws.
For a quarterback who entered the Week 9 as the co-leader in interceptions, the simplistic game plan unlocked the Pro Bowler that Pete Carroll expected to show up in Las Vegas.