<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-review-allows-vegas-to-open-playbook-vs-chargers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Geno Smith review allows Raiders to open playbook vs Chargers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Geno-Smith-review-allows-Vegas-to-open-playbook-vs-Chargers.jpg"><figcaption>Credit: Brian Fluharty</figcaption></figure><h1>Geno Smith review allows Raiders to open playbook vs Chargers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-12T13:45:51-07:00">September 12th, 1:45pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-12T13:45:51-07:00">September 12th, 1:45pm</time><address><a href="https://www.facebook.com/chris.spiering.3" rel="facebook">Chris Spiering</a>Chris Spiering graduated from the University of San Diego with a Communication Studies Degree. He spent his final year as the Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris manages the betting team at ClutchPoints and contributes about the NFL, MLB, and NBA, but he follows most sports, including NCAA Basketball. Chris also covers San Diego State men's basketball for East Village Times.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders shocked a lot of people last Sunday when they handled the New England Patriots on the road. Geno Smith played very well and was one of the top quarterbacks of Week 1, throwing for the second-most passing yards behind only Josh Allen.</p><p>Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is a brilliant offensive mind and could be the OC that allows this Raiders offense to turn the page. They will be <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/chargers-raiders-bold-predictions-week-2-2025-nfl-season">taking on a tough Chargers</a> defense on Monday night. Kelly believes that the offense <a href="https://x.com/ryanmcfadden_/status/1966587602980794679" rel="noopener">can do whatever they please</a>, led by Geno Smith.</p><p>“We can call whatever we want, and I think he’s going to find a way to execute, and make the right decision.”</p><p>Smith’s top pass catcher, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-brock-bowers-not-practicing-knee-injury">Brock Bowers, is banged up</a> and did not practice on Thursday. The Raiders will have almost no shot at winning or being successful without Bowers on the field. The Bolts just played very well against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 and kept them out of the endzone for the majority of the contest. Patrick Mahomes ended up putting the team on his back and playing well, but the offense as a whole struggled against this Jesse Minter defense. This Week 2 battle won’t be easy for the Raiders.</p><p>The Raiders will need Bowers healthy and ready to go in order to execute an entire playbook. The play calling will be limited without him. Receiver Jakobi Meyers caught eight passes for 97 yards. He will be a big factor this weekend. Geno must continue to find his top receiver time and time again to keep the game close. Meyers is their top receiver and one of the best in the NFL.</p><p>Could this be the game that Ashton Jeanty breaks out? He only had 38 yards on 19 carries last week. It is expected that he will get 20+ carries, and this could be where we see him take his game to another level.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Geno Smith review allows Raiders to open playbook vs Chargers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smiths-confident-message-after-historic-las-vegas-debut');   ga('set', 'title', 'Geno Smith’s confident message after historic Raiders debut');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Raiders-quarterback-Geno-Smith.jpg"><figcaption>© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Geno Smith’s confident message after historic Raiders debut</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-09T00:28:40-07:00">September 9th, 12:28am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-09T00:28:40-07:00">September 9th, 12:28am</time><address><a href="https://letterboxd.com/splooshpuhrty/films/by/your-rating/">Jedd Pagaduan</a>Jedd Pagaduan is a certified Clippers and Gunners fan, which means he's a very sports-traumatized individual. He now writes about sports instead as a form of therapy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After finishing 4-13 in 2024, it was clear that the Las Vegas Raiders needed a breath of fresh air. The quarterback job for the team was up in the air all season long; thus, they needed to rectify that if they were to contend in 2025. They did just that this offseason, trading for veteran QB Geno Smith and then promptly <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-gets-2-year-contract-extension-trade">signing him to a two-year, $85.5 million contract extension</a> — settling the quarterback position at last after much turbulence.</p><p>And Smith, on the very first week of the 2025 NFL regular season, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-franchise-record-debut-win-patriots">delivered for the Raiders</a>. He was at his best, completing 24 of his 34 passes for a total of 364 yards — a franchise record — to go with one touchdown (against one interception). While there is room for Smith to improve, he certainly made his mark for the Raiders, leading them to a 20-13 win over the New England Patriots.</p><p>There was certainly risk on the Raiders’ end when they committed those resources to making Smith their undisputed franchise quarterback. But amid all the noise and comparisons, Smith <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-qb-geno-smith-franchise-debut-record-win-over-patriots" rel="noopener">only has one thing</a> in mind.</p><p>“I’m me. That’s all I think about. I don’t think about anything else; I’m me. I know who I am, I know what I can do,” Smith said following the Raiders’ win on Sunday, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com.</p><p>If Smith can record an average of 15-plus yards with every completed pass, then he can certainly talk with an air of confidence — which is exactly what he’s doing. The Raiders have been starved of quality quarterback play over the past few years, throwing whatever at the wall and hoping it sticks. Smith arrived to give Las Vegas some stability, and it paid off in the form of a season-opening win.</p><h2><b>Geno Smith, Raiders start the season confidently</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Raiders-quarterback-Geno-Smith-reacts-after-the-game-at-Gillette-Stadium.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>While the Patriots aren’t exactly the powerhouse of yore, the Raiders can feel confident about starting the season off with a victory. For a team that lost 10 straight games last year at one point, they will take any win they can get.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-what-tom-brady-texted-geno-smith-beating-patriots">Smith is locked in</a>, and he definitely has unwavering belief in his own abilities. Nonetheless, his goal is to always make the right play for the Raiders, establishing a high standard of play in preparation for their Week 2 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers at home.</p><p>“We want to make sure that we make the right reads. I want to make sure that I’m making the right decisions and getting the ball into the hands of the playmakers,” Smith added.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Geno Smith’s confident message after historic Raiders debut

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-what-tom-brady-texted-geno-smith-beating-patriots');   ga('set', 'title', 'What Tom Brady texted Las Vegas Raiders’ Geno Smith after beating Patriots');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Raiders-quarterback-Geno-Smith-reacts-after-the-game-at-Gillette-Stadium.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>What Tom Brady texted Las Vegas Raiders’ Geno Smith after beating Patriots</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-08T07:22:02-07:00">September 8th, 7:22am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-09T08:05:31-07:00">September 9th, 8:05am</time><address><a>Yago Antunes</a>Yago Antunes is a Brazilian journalist and writer with experience covering esports, the NFL, NBA, and soccer. He has contributed to online outlets and reported on major international tournaments, building a strong background in sports journalism and digital media while displaying his passion about storytelling and sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback wasted no time making history in silver and black. In his Raiders debut, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-franchise-record-debut-win-patriots">Geno Smith threw for 362 yards on 24-of-34 passing</a> with one touchdown and one interception, setting a new franchise record for most passing yards in a debut. The mark surpassed Dan Pastorini’s 317 yards in 1980.</p><p>Smith’s performance powered Las Vegas to a 20-13 victory over the New England Patriots, giving Pete Carroll his first win as the Raiders’ head coach. Carroll, who also became the oldest head coach in NFL history at 73 years and 357 days, downplayed the milestone afterward, saying via team reporter Levi Edwards that Geno ”had a regular game today… It’s just what he does.”</p><p>The win also drew a reaction from Tom Brady, now part of the Las Vegas Raiders’ ownership group. Smith revealed postgame that Brady texted him a <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/week-1-nfl-takeaways-bills-comeback-packers-parsons#_liodfn2ti" rel="noopener">short but meaningful message</a>.</p><p>“Good game. Get ready for the next one.”</p><p>For Smith, it was a reminder that while the debut was memorable, the focus remains on building consistency, celebrating progress, but staying grounded in the work ahead.</p><p>Inside the locker room, the celebrations reflected that balance. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-pete-carroll-geno-smith-celebrate-first-win">Pete Carroll praised his players for their effort</a>, calling the result a ”beautiful job,” while Smith presented his coach with the game ball to mark his first Raiders win. The defense contributed as well, sacking Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye four times thanks to Maxx Crosby, Tyree Wilson, Jonah Laulu, and Malcolm Koonce.</p><p>For a franchise that has struggled to find stability, Sunday’s win offered more than just optimism. With Caroll bringing energy from the sidelines and Smith delivering through the air, the Raiders showed signs that this season could be different. And if Brady’s message meant anything, it’s that the Las Vegas Raiders must keep pushing for a dream they haven’t reached since Super Bowl XVIII in 1983.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

What Tom Brady texted Las Vegas Raiders’ Geno Smith after beating Patriots

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-pete-carroll-geno-smith-celebrate-first-win');   ga('set', 'title', 'Pete Carroll, Geno Smith celebrate first win with Raiders');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Pete-Carroll-shaking-hands-with-Mike-Vrabel-.jpg"><figcaption>Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Pete Carroll, Geno Smith celebrate first win with Raiders</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T17:46:55-07:00">September 7th, 5:46pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T17:46:55-07:00">September 7th, 5:46pm</time><address><a>Lorenzo J Reyna</a>Lorenzo J Reyna is an Associate Editor covering the NFL and NCAA Football for ClutchPoints. He's equipped with past experience for both realms through his recent stops at Pro Football Network and Heavy while also writing for 247Sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders showed a jubilant side on Sunday for the seventh time since 2015. But Pete Carroll and Geno Smith this time led the Week 1 win. Collaborating to prevail against a feisty New England Patriots team.</p><p>The franchise improved to 7-3 in their last 10 season openers. Only now the new head coach and quarterback tasted their first victory in the silver and black.</p><p>Carroll didn’t hesitate to show his exuberant side <a href="https://x.com/Raiders/status/1964818461412004210" rel="noopener">inside the locker room</a>. Calling it a “beautiful job” in getting the 20-13 win.</p><p>“This is why we work so freakin’ hard,” Carroll told his players.</p><p>Smith, meanwhile, handed Carroll the game ball for getting his first win with the franchise. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-franchise-record-debut-win-patriots">The new QB shattered a Raiders record too</a>. Smith shredded the Pats with 362 yards in his debut — now the best mark for a Raiders QB making his debut. It broke the previous mark held by Dan Pastorini in 1980, as he hit 317 yards.</p><h2><b>How Pete Carroll, Geno Smith led efficient Raiders over Patriots </b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Geno-Smith-leading-the-offense-.jpg"><figcaption>Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Carroll pivoted to an old school style to win against one of his former teams. He coached the Patriots from 1997 to 1999 — before Bill Belichick created the Pats’ dynasty with Tom Brady.</p><p>The defensive minded head coach unleashed a unit that sacked Drake Maye four times. Maxx Crosby earned one of the sacks. Meanwhile a new and improved Tyree Wilson tussled down Maye once too. Jonah Laulu and Malcolm Koonce grabbed one sack each.</p><p>The pass rush then forced this errant Maye throw. Ultimately falling into the hands of Isaiah Pola-Mao.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Picked off by Pola-Mao 😏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LVvsMIN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LVvsMIN</a> | 📺 CBS <a href="https://t.co/6ixtvchG6L">pic.twitter.com/6ixtvchG6L</a></p><p>— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1964763593708355755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The Raiders additionally tallied six tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Linebacker Devin White helped win the trench battle for the Raiders with his first TFL as a Raider.</p><p>Sunday presented the highly-anticipated debut of Ashton Jeanty in the backfield. However New England held him to only 19 carries for 38 yards. Still, Carroll’s first Raiders defense dominated the line of scrimmage. New England averaged only 3.3 yards per carry on the ground.</p><p>The Pats struggled containing Brock Bowers, though. Last season’s breakout rookie caught five passes for 103 yards to lead Vegas in the latter stat. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-jakobi-meyers-happy-place-admission-failed-trade-request">Jakobi Meyers led the way on the receptions end,</a> hauling in eight for 97 yards.</p><p>Carroll is now 12-7 overall in season opening wins.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Pete Carroll, Geno Smith celebrate first win with Raiders

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-franchise-record-debut-win-patriots');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders quarterback Geno Smith sets franchise record in debut win vs. Patriots');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/777272305-geno-smith-raiders.jpg"><figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders quarterback Geno Smith sets franchise record in debut win vs. Patriots</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T14:08:48-07:00">September 7th, 2:08pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T14:08:48-07:00">September 7th, 2:08pm</time><address><a>Yago Antunes</a>Yago Antunes is a Brazilian journalist and writer with experience covering esports, the NFL, NBA, and soccer. He has contributed to online outlets and reported on major international tournaments, building a strong background in sports journalism and digital media while displaying his passion about storytelling and sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2025 NFL season with more intrigue than at any point in recent memory. After a busy offseason that included <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-las-vegas-pete-carroll-next-head-coach">hiring Pete Caroll</a>, trading for quarterback Geno Smith, and adding potential breakout star Ashton Jeanty, expectations are climbing. The roster has improved, but questions still linger about the secondary and consistency from the receiving corps outside of Brock Bowers.</p><p>The real question is whether this rebuilt group can turn the page from 2024’s frustrations and actually compete for the playoffs.</p><p><a href="https://x.com/rachelgossen/status/1964784012553289756" rel="noopener">That optimism grew Sunday when he made history</a> in his Raiders debut. The veteran quarterback completed 24 of 34 passes for 362 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 20-13 win over the New England Patriots. Smith’s 362 yards set a new franchise record for most passing yards in a Raiders debut, breaking the mark Dan Pastorini set back in 1980 with 317 yards. The stat was highlighted by Rachel Gossen, managing editor for the Las Vegas Raiders, who posted the milestone on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>After the game, head coach Pete Caroll <a href="https://x.com/theleviedwards/status/1964788129526845476" rel="noopener">downplayed the historic performance</a>, saying via team reporter Levi Edwards:</p><p>”Geno had a regular game today. I don’t think it was a big statement game or anything like that. I just think it was what he does.”</p><p>Still, it was an encouraging opening statement for both Smith and Carroll in their new partnership.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-nfl-record-pete-carroll-will-set-week-1">Carroll also made NFL history of his own</a>. On Sunday, he became the oldest head coach in league history at 73 years and 357 days, surpassing legends like Romeo Crennel, George Halas, and Bill Belichick. Despite the number, Carroll continues to bring trademark energy to the sidelines, a stark contrast to his age on paper. He will turn 74 in Week 2, extending the record further.</p><p>For the quarterback, the performance fits the prediction many have made: that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/3-raiders-bold-predictions-for-2025-nfl-season">Geno Smith is poised for the best season of his career</a>. Surrounded by young talent and reuniting with Carroll, the stage is set for a potential playoff push in Vegas. And if Week 1’s win over New England is any indication, this new era of Raiders football could be more than just hype.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith sets franchise record in debut win vs. Patriots

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-makes-honest-pete-carroll-admission');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders’ Geno Smith makes honest Pete Carroll admission');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Geno-Smith-and-Pete-Carroll.jpg"><figcaption>© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders’ Geno Smith makes honest Pete Carroll admission</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-02T11:27:19-07:00">September 2nd, 11:27am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-02T11:27:19-07:00">September 2nd, 11:27am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/3-raiders-bold-predictions-for-2025-nfl-season">Las Vegas Raiders prepare for their 2025 season</a> opener against the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 7, quarterback Geno Smith reflected on his final season with the Seattle Seahawks and the pivotal role Pete Carroll played in guiding him through a period of personal frustration.</p><p>In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Smith opened up about the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/takeaways-jordan-love-is-taking-his-game-next-level" rel="noopener">emotional and professional challenges</a> he faced during the 2024 campaign. The veteran quarterback revealed that he felt severely underpaid and struggled with disappointment after contract negotiations with the Seahawks stalled.</p><p>“I was frustrated with my situation there—I was severely underpaid and thinking, I should be getting the market or something close to it,” Smith said. “I had talks with John Schneider, and he had talks with the higher-ups, and it just wasn’t gonna happen. And it disappointed me so much, and I didn’t know who to reach out to or to talk to. So I reached out to coach [Carroll], and he was there for me.”</p><p>Smith noted that while he hoped Carroll would simply sympathize with his situation, the longtime coach instead pushed him to stay focused and rise to the occasion.</p><p>“He was like, No, you gotta go do it, G,” Smith said. “That was what I needed.”</p><h2><b>Pete Carroll-Geno Smith era begins in Week 1 as Raiders face Patriots</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Geno-Smith-and-Pete-Carrol.jpg"><figcaption>Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-las-vegas-pete-carroll-next-head-coach">Carroll, who was hired by the Raiders in January</a>, signed a three-year deal to lead the franchise following his 14-year run in Seattle. Smith, who spent five seasons under Carroll’s leadership with the Seahawks, was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-gets-2-year-contract-extension-trade">traded to Las Vegas in March and signed a two-year, $85.5 million extension</a> shortly after.</p><p>Their reunion in Las Vegas marks a significant piece of the Raiders’ organizational overhaul after a 4–13 finish in 2024. With Carroll now at the helm and Smith under center, the franchise is aiming for a competitive reset in a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-pete-carroll-advice-for-competing-in-loaded-afc-west">crowded AFC West that includes high-profile coaches and veteran quarterbacks</a> across the division.</p><p>The relationship between Carroll and Smith, forged through challenges and growth in Seattle, is expected to remain a cornerstone of the Raiders’ approach this season. Smith, who threw for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns last year, will lead a retooled offense alongside rookie running back Ashton Jeanty and a rebuilt offensive line.</p><p>Kickoff for the Raiders’ Week 1 matchup against the Patriots is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET. The game will mark the official start of the Carroll-Smith era in Las Vegas, with both men looking to turn past frustrations into future success.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders’ Geno Smith makes honest Pete Carroll admission

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-best-qb-options-replace-injured-aidan-oconnell-geno-smiths-backup');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders’ 4 best QB options to replace injured Aidan O’Connell as Geno Smith’s backup');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Raiders-X-best-QB-options-to-replace-injured-Aidan-OConnell-as-Geno-Smiths-backup.jpg"></figure><h1>Raiders’ 4 best QB options to replace injured Aidan O’Connell as Geno Smith’s backup</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-24T07:14:13-07:00">August 24th, 7:14am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-24T07:14:13-07:00">August 24th, 7:14am</time><address><a href="http://hoopnut.blogspot.com/">Enzo Flojo</a>Enzo Flojo is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints and a columnist for Asian basketball at FIBA. He brings a dynamic spirit and background, having expertise that spans writing, analytics, coaching, and broadcasting. He is also currently an Assistant Coach on Scouting &amp; Analytics for the Philippine national youth basketball team.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders had been quietly optimistic heading into the 2025 season. This was especially true after trading for Geno Smith to stabilize their quarterback position. In the NFL, though, stability is always fragile. That point was hammered home in the preseason finale when backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell suffered a fractured right wrist. That will sideline him for six to eight weeks. O’Connell’s absence immediately shifts the Raiders’ quarterback depth chart into flux. It creates an urgent question: who will step in as Smith’s safety net? With the regular season around the corner, the Raiders must act quickly to identify their best option.</p><h2><b>Progress and Setbacks</b></h2><p>The Raiders have steadily retooled their offense over the past two seasons, and the results are becoming hard to overlook. Brock Bowers took the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-brock-bowers-predicted-to-break-travis-kelce-record-in-near-future">league by storm as a rookie</a> by leading all tight ends in receptions and yards. He should have an even bigger sophomore campaign. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty also looks ready <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-ashton-jeanty-staying-own-bubble-sky-high-expectations">to make an early impact</a>, adding another explosive element to the unit. Sure, Las Vegas still has plenty of work to do on defense before being viewed as true contenders. However, their offensive firepower makes them a team no opponent should take lightly.</p><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ashton-Jeanty_e810b1.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Las Vegas wrapped up its 2025 preseason on August 23 with a 20-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, finishing the exhibition slate winless at 0-2-1. Their preseason included a Week 1 tie against the Seattle Seahawks (23-23), a narrow Week 2 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers (22-19), and the finale setback to Arizona. The bad news didn’t stop with the record, though. Again, O’Connell fractured his right wrist in the preseason finale and is now expected to miss significant time. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the Raiders head into the regular season <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-brock-bowers-early-catch-of-year-candidate">with playoff hopes and a reshaped offense</a> designed to take a big step forward.</p><p>Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Las Vegas Raiders’ best QB options to replace injured O’Connell as Geno Smith’s backup.</p><h2><b>Option 1: Stick with Rookie Cam Miller</b></h2><p>The most straightforward solution would be to hand the backup job to rookie Cam Miller. Miller was thrust into extended duty after O’Connell’s injury in the finale. He finished with 102 yards on 12-of-24 passing, though much of that production came during garbage time. Yes, Miller showed flashes. That said, he also looked overwhelmed against Arizona’s second- and third-string defenders.</p><p>It’s not hard to see why sticking with Miller is risky. The Raiders view themselves as an improving team in the AFC. Smith’s durability can’t be taken for granted. Counting on an untested rookie as the next man up feels like a gamble. It’s one that head coach Pete Carroll may be unwilling to take. Miller has a future in this league, but asking him to serve as Smith’s insurance policy in a pivotal season is likely too much, too soon.</p><h2><b>Option 2: Sign Veteran Carson Wentz</b></h2><p>If the Raiders want a quick fix, Carson Wentz is the most obvious free agent to target. At 32 years old, Wentz is no longer a long-term solution. However, he still has the size, arm strength, and experience to step in immediately if Smith were to go down. Wentz’s career has been a rollercoaster. He has gone from MVP candidate in Philadelphia to journeyman stops in Washington and Indianapolis. Still, he brings something Miller cannot: proven NFL starts.</p><p>Wentz wouldn’t cost much more than a short-term deal. The Raiders could cut ties once O’Connell returns. His familiarity with different offensive schemes could help him adapt quickly to Carroll’s system. Yes, Wentz isn’t the ideal answer for a team trying to build for the future. On the flip side, he could provide the steady hand the Raiders need to get through the first two months of the season.</p><h2><b>Option 3: Trade for Kyle Trask</b></h2><p>Another path would be to pursue a trade, and Kyle Trask could be a logical target. Trask has spent most of his career buried behind veteran starters in Tampa Bay. That said, he remains a young quarterback with untapped potential. Raiders general manager John Spytek’s ties to the Buccaneers organization could facilitate discussions. This could give Las Vegas an inside track if Trask becomes available.</p><p>Acquiring Trask would come at a modest cost, likely a mid-to-late-round pick. However, the payoff could be greater than a short-term bandage like Wentz. Trask is still developing, but he offers more upside than Miller. He could also eventually become a long-term backup, or even a spot starter—if Smith falters. The Raiders are trying to balance present urgency with future planning. As such, Trask provides the rare opportunity to check both boxes.</p><h2><b>Option 4: Monitor Quarterback Cuts Across the League</b></h2><p>Finally, the Raiders could choose patience, scanning the league as teams trim down to 53 players. Every year, capable veterans are released, and 2025 will be no exception. Players like Kenny Pickett, Jameis Winston, Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance, or Case Keenum could find themselves available <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/lv">depending on roster decisions</a> elsewhere.</p><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kenny-Pickett-Browns-2.jpg"><figcaption>Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>This strategy requires risk tolerance. Waiting means fewer reps for whoever comes in late. Of course, it also means finding an affordable option with starting experience. For a front office trying to stretch its resources, this might be the most pragmatic route. If O’Connell’s injury heals on the shorter end of his timeline, a short-term rental could make more sense than committing resources to a bigger name.</p><h2><b>Urgency Meets Opportunity</b></h2><p>The Raiders’ backup quarterback situation underscores the razor-thin margins NFL teams deal with every preseason. Aidan O’Connell’s injury has left a hole that must be filled, and quickly. Whether it’s trusting Cam Miller, rolling the dice on Carson Wentz, trading for Kyle Trask, or scanning the waiver wire, Las Vegas can’t afford to get this decision wrong.</p><p>For a team finally building offensive momentum behind Geno Smith, Brock Bowers, and Ashton Jeanty, the wrong backup could derail months of progress. The Raiders don’t need a star. They just need stability. And as cutdown day approaches, Pete Carroll and John Spytek’s next move at quarterback will speak volumes about how seriously this team is taking its 2025 campaign.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders’ 4 best QB options to replace injured Aidan O’Connell as Geno Smith’s backup

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-brock-bowers-early-catch-of-year-candidate');   ga('set', 'title', 'Geno Smith connects with Brock Bowers for early Catch of the Year candidate');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Brock-Bowers.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Geno Smith connects with Brock Bowers for early Catch of the Year candidate</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-16T14:46:27-07:00">August 16th, 2:46pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-16T14:58:19-07:00">August 16th, 2:58pm</time><address><a>Mike Gianakos</a>Mike Gianakos is the former editor-in-chief of High Times magazine, where he also spearheaded the video department and event production. He is a longtime podcaster and even longer suffering NY Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>It was a busy offseason for the Las Vegas Raiders. Pete Carroll is now running the show in Las Vegas. Veteran passer Geno Smith took over quarterbacking duties after coming over in a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-shocking-geno-smith-trade-seahawks">trade with the Seattle Seahawks</a>. And the team drafted rookie sensation Ashton Jeanty to upgrade its running game. But the revamped Raiders still feature All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers.</p><p>After a record-breaking rookie campaign in 2024, Bowers already appears to be in midseason form as he connected with his new QB for a <a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1956812631752548773" rel="noopener">sensational grab</a> in the Raiders’ preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Geno Smith finds Brock Bowers for an INCREDIBLE catch 🔥</p><p> <a href="https://t.co/Za3EufudBr">pic.twitter.com/Za3EufudBr</a></p><p>— NFL on ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsNFL/status/1956817801571918140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>On the first play of the Raiders’ first drive Saturday, Smith found Bowers working downfield in single coverage. The veteran passer showed supreme confidence in the second-year tight end, firing a back shoulder bullet toward the sideline. San Francisco safety Ji’Ayir Brown was no match for Bowers, who made a slick adjustment to the throw. Bowers spun around and high-pointed the ball, coming down with a sweet contested catch for a 28-yard gain.</p><h2><b>Raiders unveil Geno Smith-Brock Bowers connection</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Brock-Bowers-2.jpg"><figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Raiders kicked off the preseason against the Seahawks last week in a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-seattle-return">homecoming for Smith</a> and Carroll, who spent five seasons together in Seattle. But Bowers, secure in his position as the Raiders’ top pass catcher, didn’t see any action against the Seahawks. And Smith was limited to one series.</p><p>The two played sparingly in the Raiders’ matchup with the 49ers Saturday. Bowers had just the one grab and Smith exited the game a minute into the second quarter. But the duo offered Las Vegas fans a glimpse of things to come in the team’s new-look offense.</p><p>Last season, working in less than ideal circumstances, Bowers burst onto the scene by breaking the rookie tight end receiving yards record. The former Georgia standout caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards.</p><p>Now that Bowers is paired up with a Pro Bowl quarterback in Smith, expectations for his sophomore season are extremely high. One NFL insider predicted that Bowers will <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-brock-bowers-predicted-to-break-travis-kelce-record-in-near-future">break Travis Kelce’s single-season record</a> for receiving yards by a tight end. Kelce set the high-water mark with 1,416 yards in 2020.</p><p>While the revamped roster and promising preseason start has Raiders fans excited, it wasn’t all good news for the silver and black. Sixth-overall draft pick <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-ashton-jeanty-leaves-49ers-game-arm-injury">Ashton Jeanty left the game</a> with an arm injury. However, he was able to return to the contest and finished with seven carries for 33 yards and a touchdown.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Geno Smith connects with Brock Bowers for early Catch of the Year candidate

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-pete-carroll-geno-smith-obscene-gesture-heckling-seahawks-fan');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders’ Pete Carroll reacts to Geno Smith’s ‘obscene gesture’ at heckling Seahawks fan');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Las-Vegas-Raiders-QB-Geno-Smith.jpg"><figcaption>© Candice Ward-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders’ Pete Carroll reacts to Geno Smith’s ‘obscene gesture’ at heckling Seahawks fan</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-10T11:59:10-07:00">August 10th, 11:59am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-10T11:59:10-07:00">August 10th, 11:59am</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in their first preseason game, and there were some familiar faces returning to old stomping grounds. It was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-geno-smith-seattle-return">a reunion for Geno Smith and Pete Carroll</a>, as both were a part of the team in years past, with Smith being traded from the team earlier this offseason. Though there shouldn’t have been any love lost, there was some lost for a Seahawks fan who was seen holding up a “Bigger Bust — Geno Or Jamarcus Russell?” sign.</p><p>The fan was referring to Russell, who was the No. 1 pick in 2007 for the Raiders, but didn’t turn out to be the player that many people expected.</p><p>Smith and Maxx Crosby <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6542968/2025/08/08/geno-smith-maxx-crosby-obscene-gesture-fans/" rel="noopener">saw the sign</a>, and both were caught on camera making obscene gestures at the fan. The fan was also seen making gestures at Smith.</p><p>Carroll, who was the head coach for the Seahawks from 2010 to 2023, was asked about Smith’s <a href="https://x.com/PaulHGutierrez/status/1954600794067808528" rel="noopener">gesture to the fan</a>.</p><p>“Raiders coach Pete Carroll, when asked if he had a comment on Geno Smith’s gesture to fan in Seattle: ‘Did you see what the sign said?'” columnist Paul Gutierrez wrote on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>It’s not certain if the NFL will look into Smith and Crosby making the gestures, but last season, Brian Branch did the same thing and was fined $10,128.</p><h2><b>Pete Carroll grateful for time with Seahawks</b></h2><p>Though many people made a big deal of <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-pete-carroll-blunt-message-return-seattle">Carroll returning to Seattle to face his old team</a>, he treated it just like another game.</p><p>“It’s the only game we got,” Carroll said, via the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “It happens to be Seattle. I loved my time in Seattle, loved the fans and the people we met and dealt with and competed with. But it’s a game for us.”</p><p>Carroll saw most of his NFL success with the Seahawks and was able to win a Super Bowl with them. In 2023, the Seahawks and Carroll parted ways, and now, he’s the head coach of the Raiders. He was able to get Smith as his quarterback, who was with him during his final stint with Seattle.</p><p>The Raiders should be a much different team than in previous seasons, and they now have the talent on the team to be real competitors. It may take some time for them to get the chemistry going, but as the season goes on, they should have things figured out.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders’ Pete Carroll reacts to Geno Smith’s ‘obscene gesture’ at heckling Seahawks fan

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-seattle-return');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders QB Geno Smith gets heartwarming welcome in return to Seattle');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Geno-S.jpg"><figcaption>Candice Ward-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders QB Geno Smith gets heartwarming welcome in return to Seattle</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-07T19:53:46-07:00">August 7th, 7:53pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-07T19:54:18-07:00">August 7th, 7:54pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders made headlines Thursday night as quarterback <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-pete-carroll-seahawks-preseason-matchup">Geno Smith experienced an emotional return to face the Seattle Seahawks</a> in a highly anticipated NFL preseason matchup. All eyes were on the veteran NFL quarterback as he stepped back onto Lumen Field—this preseason marked the start of a new era in Las Vegas under head coach Pete Carroll, with Smith as his first quarterback in silver and black.</p><p>The ovation for the former Seahawks signal-caller quickly became a hot topic across Raiders news, with fans reflecting on Smith’s journey and lasting impact in Seattle.</p><p>The quarterback out of West Virginia, who spent six years in Seattle—including three as the starting quarterback—became the steady presence the franchise needed after the Russell Wilson era. His story is one of perseverance, highlighted by leading the NFL in completion percentage in 2022 and stabilizing the Seahawks offense during years of transition. Over his 37 starts, Smith threw for 8,641 yards, 55 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, earning the respect and admiration of fans across the league.</p><p>The energy in the stadium was unmistakable as the 13-year veteran took the field as a member of the Raiders. He gathered his new Las Vegas teammates for a brief huddle, delivering words of encouragement before kickoff. The moment was met with loud applause and cheers from the Seattle crowd—a <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1953638034479727004">genuine show of gratitude</a> for Smith’s years in the Pacific Northwest.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Geno Smith gets a warm welcome back to Seattle 🙌 </p><p>It’s his first time facing the Seahawks since joining the Raiders 👀</p><p>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Raiders</a>)<a href="https://t.co/94MJ1qVufP">pic.twitter.com/94MJ1qVufP</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1953638034479727004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The reception for Smith underscores the deep connection between player and city. For many Seahawks fans, the quarterback symbolizes resilience and professionalism, stepping into a starting role after years as a backup and embracing the pressure of following in the footsteps of a Super Bowl champion. His NFL quarterback journey has now come full circle, serving as the Raiders’ new leader after a 2025 offseason trade that shook up both franchises.</p><p>This homecoming is more than just a nostalgic moment. For <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-gets-2-year-contract-extension-trade">Las Vegas, bringing in a seasoned veteran like Smith</a> offers much-needed leadership as the franchise begins a new era under head coach Pete Carroll, who joined the team in the 2025 offseason following his celebrated run in Seattle. For the Seahawks, Smith’s return marks the start of a new chapter at quarterback, with fans and analysts acknowledging the calm and consistency he provided through some challenging years. The night was also significant as it marked the first time Smith and Carroll took the field together in any capacity since leaving Seattle—a reunion made even more meaningful given their close relationship.</p><p>The careers of NFL quarterbacks can take unpredictable turns, and Smith’s story is no exception. His rare ability to win over two passionate fanbases speaks volumes about his leadership and character, keeping him relevant in both Raiders news and league conversations. Smith’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability—qualities that define so many NFL careers and continue to inspire fans and players across the league every year.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders QB Geno Smith gets heartwarming welcome in return to Seattle

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-pete-carroll-seahawks-preseason-matchup');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders’ Geno Smith, Pete Carroll share their thoughts on Seahawks preseason matchup');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Geno-Smith-and-Pete-Carroll.jpg"><figcaption>© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders’ Geno Smith, Pete Carroll share their thoughts on Seahawks preseason matchup</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-05T19:11:03-07:00">August 5th, 7:11pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-05T19:15:11-07:00">August 5th, 7:15pm</time><address><a>Guillermo Guajardo</a>Guillermo Guajardo is a dynamic sports presenter with experience on various television channels and digital platforms, most recently with A Tiempo.TV. He is also a multidisciplinary artist with 10 years of experience in acting, directing, writing, and hosting. His work in film has been recognized at international festivals, earning awards for both his performances and directorial projects.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Head coach Pete Carroll and his on-field counterpart Geno Smith are gearing up for a highly emotional return as the Las Vegas Raiders kick off their preseason Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll, who led the Seahawks for 14 seasons and guided them to their only Super Bowl title, will be on the opposing sideline in Seattle for the first time—<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-pete-carroll-chooses-violence-preseason-game-vs-seahawks">and has already confirmed that all of his starters will play.</a></p><p>Meanwhile, Smith, who revived his career under Carroll, may also see action against his former team. The quarterback described the game as meaningful, noting that Seattle is where he had a son and turned his NFL journey around.</p><p>While Smith acknowledged the emotional weight of returning to Lumen Field, Carroll downplayed the occasion. Though he admitted his fondness for the fans and his time in Seattle, the longtime coach emphasized that this is another game for him and his squad.</p><p>“We’re going to go play ball,” Carroll said, reinforcing his focus on competing and continuing the Raiders’ preparation for the regular season.</p><p>Conversely, current Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald did not avoid the moment’s significance.<a href="https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/raiders/2025/08/05/raiders-pete-carroll-qb-geno-smith-responses-return-seattle-seahawks-preseason-game/85529332007/?taid=68925ac8289e8c00011544da&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=twitter" rel="noopener"> He said fans should cheer for both</a> Carroll and Smith before kickoff.</p><p>“We should be cheering those guys. Now, when the ball is snapped, we’re going to go try to win the game, and we’re not going to be playing our starters, but we’re going to go compete like heck,” Macdonald stated, according to Raiders Wire. Still, he added that once the game begins, they’ll compete intensely.</p><p>Carroll’s tenure in Seattle was transformational. He took over in 2010 following a successful run at USC and quickly turned the Seahawks into a contender. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/seahawks-news-pete-carroll-breaks-silence-after-14-years-as-seattle-head-coach">Over 14 years, he compiled a 137–89–1 record, posting at least 10 wins in eight of nine seasons</a>. He led Seattle to two Super Bowl appearances, capturing the title in 2013 with the dominant Legion of Boom defense.</p><p>Smith is at the peak of his career. After arriving in Seattle in 2019 as a backup, he emerged as the starter in 2022. That season, he led the NFL with a 69.8% completion rate and threw for over 4,200 yards, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors. Now, Smith, the starting quarterback for the Raiders, admitted that returning to Seattle would be a special moment and said he’s excited to reconnect with former teammates and coaches.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders’ Geno Smith, Pete Carroll share their thoughts on Seahawks preseason matchup

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-compares-tre-tucker-legendary-receiver-santana-moss');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders’ Geno Smith wildly compares Tre Tucker to legendary receiver');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Tre-Tucker-1.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders’ Geno Smith wildly compares Tre Tucker to legendary receiver</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-05T13:39:52-07:00">August 5th, 1:39pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-05T15:34:11-07:00">August 5th, 3:34pm</time><address><a>Jaren Kawada</a>Jaren Kawada is a former full-time sports bettor and is now a NFL, College Football and Betting Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. Kawada was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, but now resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, after graduating from Butler University with a B.A. in sports media. Aside from football, Kawada is an avid combat sports and basketball bettor.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Geno Smith is already high on his <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smiths-message-haters-sleeping-on-las-vegas">new group of receivers with the Las Vegas Raiders</a>. Although no longer throwing to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Smith believes he gets to work with the second coming of Santana Moss in the form of third-year wideout Tre Tucker.</p><p>Tucker, who was third on the team with 539 receiving yards in 2024, has apparently impressed Smith in training camp. Smith <a href="https://x.com/UnderdogNFL/status/1952789518651932799" rel="noopener">called his new receiver</a> a “spitting image of Santana Moss,” according to Underdog NFL on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>There are a lot of factors that go into comparing a receiver with 870 career receiving yards to a former All-Pro like Moss that raised eyebrows.</p><p>However, many forget that Moss did not get off to the best start to his career, accumulating just 470 receiving yards in his first two seasons. Perhaps Tucker has a chance to live up to Smith’s lofty expectations of him with a breakout 2025 campaign.</p><p>The Raiders return two 1,000-yard receivers from the 2024 season: Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers. Smith, however, seems to have the strongest connection with Tucker. There is no reason to believe that Tucker will suddenly emerge as the team’s top wideout, but the two have nonetheless appeared to form a bond over the offseason.</p><h2><b>Raiders’ receivers seek improved numbers in 2025</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Geno-Smith.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>The Raiders return their top-three leading receivers from the 2024 season — Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker — and expect an even bigger year in 2025. Their acquisition of Geno Smith, whom they <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-shocking-geno-smith-trade-seahawks">acquired in an offseason trade with the Seattle Seahawks</a>, is the biggest factor in the team’s confidence.</p><p>Since his re-emergence with the Seahawks in 2022, Smith has established himself as a starter in the NFL. Despite his rocky up-and-down year in 2024, he is coming off a career-high 4,320-yard season. His presence under center is a substantial upgrade from the horrid play Las Vegas dealt with between Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder.</p><p>The Raiders also made notable upgrades to their receiving room in the 2025 NFL Draft. Following a quiet free-agency period, Las Vegas added intriguing rookie prospect Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton. Both young wideouts are expected to have an immediate role in Pete Carroll’s offense.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders’ Geno Smith wildly compares Tre Tucker to legendary receiver

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smiths-message-haters-sleeping-on-las-vegas');   ga('set', 'title', 'Geno Smith’s message to haters ‘sleeping’ on Raiders');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/QB-Geno-Smith-scrambles.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Geno Smith’s message to haters ‘sleeping’ on Raiders</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-05T07:55:11-07:00">August 5th, 7:55am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-05T07:55:11-07:00">August 5th, 7:55am</time><address><a>Ben Strauss</a>Ben Strauss is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a die-hard NFL fan who cheers for the Detroit Lions. He has previously written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders could look a lot different when the 2025 NFL season kicks off next month. Las Vegas made plenty of big changes this offseason, including <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-las-vegas-pete-carroll-next-head-coach">adding Pete Carroll at head coach</a> and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-shocking-geno-smith-trade-seahawks">trading for Geno Smith</a>. Now the Raiders are as confident as ever headed into the new season.</p><p>Raiders QB Geno Smith <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/geno-smith-on-raiders-doubters-let-them-sleep-i-don-t-want-them-to-see-us-coming" rel="noopener">dropped a bold statement</a> during NFL Network’s Inside Training Camp Live on Monday. He believes that the Raiders may surprise some teams during the 2025 NFL season.</p><p>“I’m always the guy that I believe the game gets settled between the white lines on game day,” Smith said. “But from my vantage point, we’ve got a really, really good team. I don’t know if we’ll shock anyone inside of this building, but maybe shock some outsiders. But it’s good, like let them sleep. I don’t want them to see us coming. We’re just working in the shadows right now, getting our game right, and when it’s time to go in those bright lights, I think we’ll be ready.”</p><p>Smith will naturally play a big role in how much success the Raiders have this fall. He is a much better quarterback than the Raiders have had over the past few seasons.</p><p>If Smith can play at the same level he did in Seattle, the Raiders could suddenly be a frisky team in the AFC West.</p><h2><b>Ashton Jeanty surprising Raiders coaches with pass protection skills</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Las-Vegas-Raiders-RB-Ashton-Jeanty.jpg"><figcaption>Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty should also have a big impact for the Raiders in 2025.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-ashton-jeanty-2025-nfl-draft">Raiders picked Jeanty with the sixth overall pick</a> in the 2025 NFL Draft. It is no secret that Jeanty is an electric runner, but he <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-ashton-jeanty-surprising-raiders-with-ability-unseen-at-boise-state">wowing coaches at Raiders training camp</a> with his pass protection abilities.</p><p>“What’s been a little surprising to coaches is how quickly he’s adjusted in the passing game,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said. “Pass pro can prevent young players at that position from getting on the field early in their careers. And it’s something that Ashton Jeanty, as a college player, like a lot of great backs, didn’t do a ton of in college, but he’s taken to it right away.”</p><p>It is rare to see a running back adjust to pass blocking so quickly during training camp.</p><p>The depth at running back behind Jeanty is veteran Raheem Mostert and returning players Sincere McCormick and Zamir White.</p><p>If Jeanty continues to excel in the passing game, he could achieve workhorse status with the Raiders and play all three downs during his rookie season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Geno Smith’s message to haters ‘sleeping’ on Raiders

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-rival-exec-prediction-geno-smith-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders rumors: Rival exec makes prediction after Geno Smith trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Las-Vegas-Raiders-QB-Geno-Smith.jpg"><figcaption>© Candice Ward-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders rumors: Rival exec makes prediction after Geno Smith trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-17T07:46:41-07:00">June 17th, 7:46am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-17T07:46:57-07:00">June 17th, 7:46am</time><address><a>Benjamin Adducchio</a>Benjamin Adducchio is a journalist and writer with more than a decade of experience in covering sports news. Ben is a passionate sports fan who loves college football, basketball, and the New York Yankees.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot of new faces on the squad this season, and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-geno-smith-explains-why-seahawks-trade-excited-him">one of them is veteran quarterback Geno Smith</a>. Smith is the starter in Vegas, playing for his former coach Pete Carroll. One NFL executive is <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45523293/nfl-execs-scouts-pick-their-favorite-2025-offseason-moves" rel="noopener">throwing in his two cents</a> about the Raiders’ new acquisition.</p><p>“Geno gives them instant credibility at the position, and Pete and Geno seem to have good chemistry together, so it’s a good way for both of them to start,” the executive said, per ESPN. “I figure they will look to draft a quarterback in the next few years, but for now they have an answer.”</p><p>Smith comes to the Raiders after spending the last several years with the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks and Smith couldn’t come to an agreement on a contract extension this offseason. As a result, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-disconnect-geno-smith-shocking-seahawks-departure">the Seahawks agreed to deal Smith to the Raiders</a>. Seattle got a NFL Draft pick in return that allowed them to select quarterback Jalen Milroe from Alabama.</p><p>The Seahawks also brought in veteran quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason, who excelled last year in Minnesota.</p><p>“Darnold and Geno to me are very similar, solidified starters but not in the top end,” an NFL personnel director said. “Geno has more of a track record as a passer, but Darnold threw 35 touchdowns last year, so if he can play close to how he did last year, that’s a great situation and opportunity for him. And Milroe has a different skill set. If he develops and figures out how to be a quarterback, he will become a really interesting player for them.”</p><h2><b>The Raiders are searching for answers and victories as a franchise</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Raiders-warming-up.jpg"><figcaption>Candice Ward-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Las Vegas had a pitiful season in 2024. One of the reasons why is the team could never find a reliable answer at the quarterback position. As a result, the Raiders finished the year with just four wins.</p><p>Las Vegas then brought in a new coach in Carroll, who had spent some time out of coaching. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-tom-brady-brutally-honest-pete-carroll-geno-smith">The Raiders’ first big move after that was trading for Smith</a>. With the band getting back together, it will be interesting to see if that finally leads to success for the Raiders. Las Vegas has had just a small handful of playoff appearances in the last 20 years.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-ashton-jeanty-makes-fun-pete-carroll-admission">Raiders also drafted Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty</a> with their first NFL Draft pick. Jeanty was selected sixth overall. This squad will have a totally new offense this coming season, so time will tell if the Smith trade truly works out.</p><p>Training camp begins for Las Vegas in July.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders rumors: Rival exec makes prediction after Geno Smith trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-tom-brady-brutally-honest-pete-carroll-geno-smith');   ga('set', 'title', 'Tom Brady gets brutally honest on Raiders’ Pete Carroll, Geno Smith');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tom-Brady.jpg"><figcaption>Michelle Pemberton-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Tom Brady gets brutally honest on Raiders’ Pete Carroll, Geno Smith</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-10T17:22:59-07:00">June 10th, 5:22pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-10T17:22:59-07:00">June 10th, 5:22pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-ashton-jeanty-workhorse-role-not-certainty">Las Vegas Raiders have had quite the offseason</a>, changing up the roster a tad with the help of Tom Brady intervening as a co-owner. The organization brought in Pete Carroll as head coach, replacing Antonio Pierce, and also traded for quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks.</p><p>Brady recently opened up about the direction the Raiders are going in an interview with RG. The former NFL quarterback oozed with excitement about it. He seems <a href="https://rg.org/news/football/exclusive-tom-brady-details-his-vision-for-raiders-turnaround" rel="noopener">over the moon</a> to have Carroll leading the way as the head coach, and had nothing but kind words to say about Smith, according to DJ Siddiqi.</p><p>“[Carroll] is a great leader for the organization,” Brady said in the interview with RG. “Everyone’s excited to have him, and Geno’s done a great job since he was acquired, coming in and working his tail off. Everyone’s excited about the direction we’re heading.”</p><p>Both <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-pete-carroll-has-shocking-change-in-coaching-philosophy">Pete Carroll and Geno Smith come from the Seattle Seahawks</a>, as the two worked together as head coach and quarterback for that organization for four seasons. They bring familiarity to Las Vegas that, quite frankly, the franchise hasn’t had in years. The Raiders haven’t been the most competitive team lately, but with Carroll and Smith in town, perhaps their chemistry can pave a new path to success.</p><p>However, those two are just part of the puzzle, as changes have seemingly been made from the ownership group down. Majority owner Mark Davis gave Tom Brady some influential power once the future Hall of Famer became a part-owner of the franchise. Since then, the roster and coaching staff have received facelifts.</p><p>It may take a few seasons before the Raiders get back to truly being a competitive team. Regardless, Brady’s excitement for Carroll and Smith shows a glimmer of hope for the future. Las Vegas will begin the 2025-26 campaign with a matchup against Brady’s former team, the New England Patriots.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025 SEASON STATS
PASSING YDS	PASSING TDS	INTERCEPTIONS	POSITION RANK
362	1	1	-

2025 SEASON STATS
PASSING YDS	PASSING TDS	INTERCEPTIONS	POSITION RANK
362	1	1	-

Geno Smith news

Geno
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