QB Geno Smith has started every game for the Raiders this season, throwing for 2,082 yards and 12 touchdowns. Smith is also tied for the most interceptions in the NFL with 13 and has thrown an interception in each of his last three games.
The Browns have forced quarterbacks to make mistakes this season, recording at least one interception in each of their last four games. Cleveland picked off multiple passes in two of those four games, including three against the Dolphins in Week 7 and two against Baltimore in Week 11. The Browns need to be ready against Smith to jump a passing lane or track down an errant pass, ending Las Vegas' possessions early and giving extra possessions to their own offense.
Even with the number of interceptions this season, Cleveland must account for Smith's passing ability. He is a season removed from throwing for 4,320 yards during the 2024 season with the Seahawks, a career best. He also made the Pro Bowl in two consecutive seasons with Seattle in 2022 and 2023.
To begin the 2025 season, Smith threw for 362 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots. In Week 9 against the Jaguars, Smith kept the Raiders in the game as he threw for 284 yards and four touchdowns, but Las Vegas lost 30-29 in overtime.
"(He is) just a vet in this league, been playing for a long time, knows how to play and rally a team," Ward said of Smith. "He's still a great player and someone we're going to lock in on this week."
Smith has one of the top tight ends in the NFL to throw to in Brock Bowers, who was named a First-Team All-Pro in his rookie season in 2024. Bowers caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards and is on a similar pace this season. Bowers is averaging 65 yards per game, 5.2 yards behind his 2024 pace. Although he missed three games with a PCL injury, he has 455 yards on 39 receptions in seven games. Bowers recorded 127 yards and caught three touchdowns in his return from injury in Week 9.
Bowers' speed as a tight end can also cause problems for defenses due to defenders being unable to keep up. He reached a top speed of 20.27 MPH on a 38-yard catch in Week 1, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. His speed forced Dallas to put a cornerback on Bowers in situations and might require Cleveland to do the same, according to Ward.
"I could see (myself covering him)," Ward said. "He's going to be a great player in this league. Definitely like a receiving tight end. Has the speed for it, route running, good hands and definitely their top player over there for those guys. He's a good player and someone we have to key in on."