Geno Smith Makes History in Raiders Debut Win Over Patriots

The Las Vegas Raiders opened the Pete Carroll era with a road win, taking down the New England Patriots 20 to 13 in rainy Foxborough. Geno Smith made franchise history in his debut, while the Raiders defense came alive in the second half to secure the victory.

Geno Smith Starts Strong in Silver and Black

Smith’s first game as a Raider could not have gone much better. He overcame a first half interception and relentless pressure to throw for 362 yards, setting a new franchise record for passing yards in a Raiders debut. His highlight came on a 26 yard touchdown strike to Tre Tucker, which traveled over 44 yards in the air and showed Smith’s confidence pushing the ball downfield.

Brock Bowers looked like the offensive star before leaving with a left knee injury, but Jakobi Meyers and Tucker stepped up to keep the passing game rolling. Ashton Jeanty had a quiet day overall but proved valuable in short yardage situations, scoring a touchdown and moving the chains on a key third down late in the game.

Smith was sacked four times, and the protection will need to improve, but his poise and playmaking gave Las Vegas exactly what they needed.

Patriots and Drake Maye Fail to Finish Drives

New England had its chances, but a lack of execution cost them. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes, moving the ball at times, but he missed open receivers, tossed an interception, and struggled behind shaky protection.

The Patriots actually led 10-7 at halftime, but their offense sputtered in the second half. Rookie left tackle Will Campbell had a brutal fourth quarter, allowing a strip sack and committing a false start on a critical fourth-and-5, forcing Mike Vrabel to punt when New England needed points. A late field goal cut the deficit, but the Patriots never seriously threatened after halftime.

Raiders Defense Answers the Call

For years, the Raiders defense has been questioned outside of Maxx Crosby, but Sunday’s performance showed real potential. Crosby, Tyree Wilson, and Malcolm Koonce applied steady pressure, disrupting Maye and forcing mistakes.

The biggest moment came in the second half when Crosby’s pressure forced an errant throw that safety Isaiah Pola-Mao intercepted, swinging momentum firmly in Las Vegas’ favor. Even after losing linebacker Elandon Roberts to an elbow injury, the defense nearly pitched a shutout in the second half. It was a gritty and encouraging performance for a unit that needed a spark.

By the Numbers

• Geno Smith: 24-of-34 passing for 362 yards, the most by a Raiders QB in his debut.

• Tre Tucker: 26 yard touchdown reception with 6.2 yards of separation.

• Raiders defense: held the Patriots to just three second-half points.

The Bottom Line

The Raiders showed toughness and explosiveness in Pete Carroll’s first game in charge. Geno Smith looked comfortable running the offense and made history in the process, while the defense rose to the challenge after halftime.

For the Patriots, Drake Maye’s development remains the key storyline. There were bright spots, but mistakes and lack of execution defined the day. Until New England cleans that up, wins will be tough to come by.