In his first start for the Las Vegas Raiders, Geno Smith did something that only five other Raiders quarterbacks have done in franchise history.
Smith completed 70.5% of his passes for 362 yards and one touchdown to one pick in the 20-13 Raiders victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday in Week 1.
With that performance, Smith became the sixth quarterback in franchise history to throw for 350-plus yards and complete 70% or better of his passes in a game, the Associated Press' Josh Dubow pointed out.
Smith is tied with quarterbacks Daryle Lamonica, Jim Plunkett, Carson Palmer and Derek Carr, all of whom did it once. Rich Gannon has the most in franchise history with three in 74 starts.
As if we needed more evidence that Smith is going to be a sizeable upgrade for the Raiders under center this season.
“Geno had a regular game today,” head coach Pete Carroll said. “I don’t think it was a statement game or anything like that; I just think it was what he does.”
“I’m me,” Smith said. “That’s all I think about. I don’t think about nothing else. I’m me. 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.”
While Smith was no doubt good, things could have been better for the Raiders' offense as a whole. The offensive line didn't open up many holes for the rushing attack and Smith was sacked four times.
On the positive side, Las Vegas' wide receivers room, which had several question marks entering the season, stepped up and Brock Bowers was his typical elite self.
There was a lot to like about the Raiders' season debut on both sides of the ball and there's a good chance we haven't even seen the best from the offense yet.
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