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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith made a good first impression on one of his new bosses during the team’s 20-13 defeat of the New England Patriots in Week 1.
Smith (who was traded to Las Vegas in March) led the Raiders to victory by going 24-for-34 with 362 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. The two-time Pro Bowler broke a 45-year-old franchise record for most passing yards in a team debut as well.
Josh Dubow of the Associated Press shared on Monday that Smith’s performance was also something that hadn’t been accomplished since 2011 by two quarterbacks (including Raiders part owner Tom Brady).
“Geno Smith had 9 completions of 20+ yards for #Raiders on Sunday. Only players since 1991 with more in Week 1: Tom Brady 10 in 2011 vs Dolphins Chad Henne 10 in 2011 vs Patriots Dan Marino in 1994 vs Patriots,” Dubow posted on Bluesky.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had an up-and-down 2025 season debut vs. the Raiders, but his defense was clearly partially to blame for the defeat too.
As New England was without injured star cornerback Christian Gonzalez on Sunday, Smith picked apart the Patriots secondary all game long.
Gonzalez’s status will be important to monitor this week, as Maye and company travel south to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 on Sunday.
