The Las Vegas Raiders hoped they upgraded big time at the most important position in all of sports when they acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks for a third-round pick six months ago to end the miserable Gardner Minshew/Aidan O’Connell show.
After one game, it it sure looks pretty good.
Smith put on a show as the Raiders began the Pete Carroll (a winner as he became the oldest coach in NFL history eight days before his 74th birthday) era in a 20-13 victory at the New England Patriots. Smith, 35, completed 25 of 35 passes for 366 yards. It was the most passing yards by a Raiders’ quarterback in a Week 1 game that didn’t go to overtime and it it was the most yardage passed by a quarterback in his debut with the team.
“He is a star player in this league,” said Carroll of Smith, who he coached in Seattle as well.
Here are some key aspects of the game:
Impressive second half:
It was an odd game for the Raiders’ offense. They were great on the first drive, great on the second drive until a Smith interception (his one true miscue of the game) and then were awful the rest of the first half. New Raiders’ offensive coordinator Chip Kelly adjusted well at halftime and the Raiders turned a 10-7 halftime deficit until a comfortable win. The Raiders had outscored New England 13-0 in the second half until a last-second garbage time field goal by the home team.
Lots of options:
Kelly had lots of tricks in his bag. Smith had nine pass plays of 20-plus yards and he spread the ball around. Brock Meyers, Jakobi Meyers (who had a terrific game despite wanting a new contract), Michael Mayer, Tre Tucker and rookie Dont’e Thornton and Jack Bech all had big plays. We will probably see that type of group-effort game plan weekly and that can wore down opponents.
Bowers scare:
Raiders’ superstar tight end Brock Bowers ended the game on the sideline on the bench with a knee issue. He told reporters after the game he is fine and the team was being cautious. He had five catches for 103 yards and was his typical special self. The extra day off before the Raiders host the Chargers on September 15 should help Bowers get ready.
Defense does enough:
The Raiders’ defense wasn’t special, but neither was the Patriots’ offense. The Las Vegas defense played pretty well in the second half and held New England to 60 yards rushing. It was a solid start by the unit with some question marks. The Chargers should present a tougher test next week.
Penalties:
The Raiders had nine penalties for 77 yards. That’s something to work on next week.
Offensive line needs to tighten up:
Smith was sacked four times and the interior offensive line struggled. Second-year guard Jackson Powers-J0hnson struggled badly. This is something to watch moving forward.
More consistent pass-rush needed:
The Raiders ended up with four sacks, which is solid. but the pass-rush was lacking at times. A more constant attack will be needed moving on.
Jeanty’s day:
Raiders’ first-round pick had a so-so NFL debut. He had nine yards on his first carry and he scored a touchdown, but he ended the day with just 35 yards on 18 carries. Six of his runs went for negative yardage. The Patriots do have a strong run defense. I wouldn’t worry too much. Jeanty’s time will come. This game was about Smith and the passing game as New England played without star cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
What a first drive:
It’s a new offense for the Raiders and new offensive coordinator Kelly came out firing on the first drive of the season. New quarterback Smith hit star tight end Bowers for a 23-yard catch on the first play of the game that went into New England territory. Then, Jeanty ran for nine yards. The drive ended with a beautiful 26-yard pass from Smith to a wide-open Tucker on third down and 11. Great start.
On three running backs:
In one of the few surprises on Sunday’s inactive lists free-agent addition Raheem Mostert was a healthy inactive. He was expected to be the No. 2 running back behind Jeanty. However, Zamir White was the backup and special teamer Dylan Laube was the only other tailback active Sunday. It will be interesting to see if Mostert earns playing time soon. If not, it may not be worth keeping the veteran on the roster.
Defensive tackle rotation:
There was a lot of interest in this rotation after the Christian Wilkins release. The Raiders went with Adam Butler, Thomas Booker, Jonah Laulu and rookie Tonka Hemingway, sitting rookie J.J. Pegues and Leki Fotu. It’s really not a surprise that Pegues was inactive. Yes, he had a nice preseason, but he’s a sixth-round pick. He still needs to be developed.
Early injury:
The Raiders had major turnover at the linebacker position and a lot was expected from free-agent addition Elandon Roberts. But he hurt his elbow in the first quarter and he did not return. Carroll said he sprained his elbow. He was replaced by second-year player Tommy Eichenberg. If he is going to miss a lot of time, the Raiders could be thin at the position behind Germaine Pratt, Devin White and Jamal Adams.
White has big game:
White, who has struggled in recent seasons, had a good first game as a Raider. He had 11 tackles. He will be needed this season.
0 CommentsSee More:
