Pete Carroll Refuses to Praise Geno Smith Despite Raiders’ Big Win Against Patriots

The Patriots spent the offseason talking about toughness, but their season opener told a different story. In front of the home crowd, New England stumbled early, finding no rhythm until the second quarter. By then, Las Vegas had already pushed the tempo. All thanks to Geno Smith. The guy was pure clutch. He shredded the Patriots’ defense, hooking up repeatedly with All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, and driving the Raiders to a 20-13 victory.

Geno Smith’s showing in the Raiders’ season opener would typically earn quarterbacks nods and headlines. With 362 yards through the air, Smith’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. Still, Pete Carroll shrugged it off, “Geno had a regular game today. I don’t think it was a big statement game or anything like that.” Carroll’s comments signaled a measured, almost indifferent view of what was quite clearly a strong performance. That’s a cut few saw coming after a 362-yard passing night.

Smith opened the game with a 23-yard strike to Bowers. That quick strike launched a nine-play, under-three-minute drive that ended with a touchdown and gave Las Vegas an early lead. On that drive, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty contributed by picking up 13 tough yards, keeping the chains moving. The moment’s key play was Smith’s 26-yard completion to receiver Tre Tucker on a crucial third-and-11, cementing the drive’s momentum.

Throughout the game, Geno Smith displayed poise and control. His passing was sharp and timely, regularly moving the Raiders’ offense downfield. He avoided costly mistakes, showing command of his reads and the pocket. Despite significant pressure opportunities from the Patriots’ defense, including sacks and tight coverage, Smith calmly orchestrated scoring opportunities.

A defining moment came late in the fourth quarter when Smith threw a 36-yard completion off his back foot to Dont’e Thornton Jr. This clutch play came under heavy pressure and essentially sealed the game, leaving New England with little time and too much ground to cover. Smith’s ability to deliver in crucial moments underscored his steady leadership throughout the contest.

Pete Carroll’s Raiders beat Patriots in tight opener

The Patriots struggled out of the gate in their season opener at Las Vegas. Quarterback Drake Maye tried to spread the ball around, throwing for 287 yards and completing 30 of his 46 attempts with a touchdown and an interception. He also added 11 rushing yards on four carries. Leading the receiving corps was Kayson Boutte, who hauled in six receptions for 103 yards. Stefon Diggs and tight end Hunter Henry also made significant contributions with 57 and 66 yards, respectively. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson chipped in with 27 rushing yards and 24 receiving yards.

Defensively, the Patriots made some noise. Safety Jaylinn Hawkins recorded a sack and an interception. While Harold Landry III was a consistent threat with 2.5 sacks, combining for four total team sacks. However, their defense couldn’t contain the Raiders’ offense when it mattered most.

Late in the third, a 38-yard catch-and-run by Bowers set the Raiders up for a 51-yard field goal that extended their lead to 17-10. Early in the fourth quarter, a 28-yard completion from Geno Smith to Tucker led to another field goal, increasing the lead to 20-10. On the Patriots’ next possession, Maye connected with Diggs for 16 yards but was immediately sacked afterwards, which caused a fumble. Rookie Will Campbell recovered for New England, but a false-start penalty pushed them back, forcing a punt.

Smith then delivered the crucial 36-yard completion to Thornton Jr., effectively sealing the Raiders’ victory. With Tom Brady known for hyping up his team, this one feels like just the start for Las Vegas. New England made a last-ditch effort, with Andy Borregales kicking a 44-yard field goal with 19 seconds left to make the final score 20-13. However, the deficit was too large to overcome in such little time, and the Raiders held on for the road win.