The Las Vegas Raiders may have found the spark they’ve been searching for at quarterback. Geno Smith, in his Silver and Black debut, delivered one of the best first starts in franchise history. Now, with an AFC West clash against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, Smith will look to prove it was no fluke.
Smith Earns Respect After Patriots Performance
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin ranked every quarterback heading into Week 2 and placed Geno Smith at No. 13 in the league. After throwing for 362 yards against the Patriots, Smith is quickly earning recognition as one of the NFL’s most dangerous passers.
“Pete Carroll may well be an old-school leader, but he sure let his new quarterback air it out to start the year,” Benjamin wrote. “Smith had a ball while launching it against Mike Vrabel’s Patriots.”
For the Raiders, it was more than just a statistical performance. It was proof they may finally have the quarterback stability needed to compete in the AFC West.
Chargers Defense Presents Opportunity — and Challenge
The Chargers defense struggled in Week 1, allowing the ninth-most passing yards in the NFL and the 11th-most total yards overall. On paper, that sets up another big day for Smith and the Raiders offense.
However, protecting Smith remains a concern. Against New England, the offensive line allowed multiple pressures and sacks in the first half before Chip Kelly’s adjustments steadied the attack. Los Angeles, with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack up front, will test that protection again on Monday night.
If the Raiders’ offensive line holds, Smith could feast against a vulnerable Chargers secondary.
A New Identity for the Raiders
Las Vegas has endured several disappointing seasons in recent years, with problems rooted in coaching instability and personnel decisions. This offseason, the Raiders attacked those weaknesses head-on — bringing in Pete Carroll to reshape the franchise’s identity and giving Chip Kelly control of a fast-paced offense.
The result? A team that looks far more competitive, disciplined, and explosive. The Week 1 win over the Patriots was the first sign of progress. A win against the Chargers, however, would be a true statement in the AFC West.
Outlook: Raiders–Chargers Will Be a Battle in the Trenches
For Geno Smith and the Raiders, the formula is simple:
- Protect the quarterback.
- Stay aggressive in the passing game.
- Lean on Carroll’s defensive unit to keep Justin Herbert in check.
If they succeed, the Raiders could leave Monday Night Football not just with a 2-0 record, but with a loud message to the rest of the league: the Silver and Black are back in the AFC West race.
