The Las Vegas Raiders kicked off the Pete Carroll era in style, defeating the New England Patriots 20-13 on the road. From Geno Smith’s 362-yard debut to the defense clamping down in the second half, the Silver and Black showed the kind of complementary football Carroll has been preaching all offseason.
Here’s a closer look at the film breakdown and key takeaways from the Raiders’ season-opening victory.
Big Impression: Raiders Dictate the Terms
The Raiders set the tone early and never let the Patriots dictate the game. Geno Smith’s accuracy and the defense’s discipline forced rookie quarterback Drake Maye into uncomfortable spots all night.
- Smith posted 362 passing yards on 24-of-34 attempts, carving up New England’s secondary.
- The defense held the Patriots’ rushing attack to just 60 yards on the ground.
- Carroll’s squad thrived in the second half, forcing Maye into key mistakes when the game was on the line.
The win wasn’t flashy, but it was the kind of hard-nosed, disciplined football Carroll is known for — and it gave the Raiders a 1-0 start in the AFC West.
Keys to Victory: Efficiency and Execution
The Raiders didn’t need trickery — just execution.
- Geno Smith was surgical, completing 70% of his passes while spreading the ball to seven different receivers.
- Brock Bowers, the All-Pro rookie tight end, led the way with 103 receiving yards on eight targets, showing instant chemistry with Smith.
- While the run game sputtered, with Ashton Jeanty bottled up, the Raiders’ passing attack kept the chains moving.
- On defense, Patrick Graham’s unit won key situations: third downs, red-zone stops, and turnovers.
This was the definition of team football, something Raider Nation has been hungry to see.
Geno Smith’s Story: Carroll’s Handpicked QB Delivers
When Pete Carroll chose to bring Geno Smith with him to Las Vegas, many questioned whether the veteran could replicate his Seattle success. Week 1 provided an emphatic answer.
Smith not only managed the game — he elevated it. From anticipation on intermediate routes to threading tight-window throws, Smith looked every bit like a quarterback capable of leading a playoff push.
Chip Kelly’s offense gave him the freedom to attack, and Smith rewarded that trust with pinpoint accuracy and smart decisions. If this continues, the Raiders may have finally found the steady presence at quarterback they’ve lacked for years.
Unsung Hero: Devin White Brings the Juice
Amid the star power of Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers, linebacker Devin White made a statement in his Raiders debut.
- 11 tackles and a tackle for loss
- Relentless energy on film, constantly around the ball
- Physicality that set the tone at the second level
White’s instincts and range fit perfectly in Carroll’s defense. As Graham opens up the playbook, expect White to become a consistent playmaker in the Silver and Black defense.
Offensively Speaking: A Balanced Air Attack
The running game may not have found its footing yet, but the Raiders showed glimpses of a dangerous, balanced offense.
- Jakobi Meyers worked the intermediate game alongside Bowers.
- Tre Tucker and Dont’e Thornton Jr. stretched the field vertically.
- Ashton Jeanty flashed as a goal-line back despite a tough outing between the tackles.
If Jeanty finds his rhythm, the Raiders could roll out one of the most explosive passing games in the league paired with a bruising ground attack.
Defensively Speaking: Crosby and Company Dominate
The Raiders’ defense looked like a veteran unit ready to punish mistakes.
- Maxx Crosby consistently harassed Drake Maye with his arsenal of pass-rush moves.
- The defense swarmed to the football, limiting explosive plays.
- With steady pressure and disciplined coverage, Maye was forced into poor decisions that sealed the Raiders’ win.
The Silver and Black defense is already showing signs it can be the backbone of Carroll’s Raiders.
Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Winning Football
The Raiders’ 20-13 win over the Patriots wasn’t perfect, but it was exactly the type of victory Pete Carroll envisioned: efficient offense, stingy defense, and clutch execution when it mattered most.
If Geno Smith continues to play like this and emerging stars like Devin White and Brock Bowers keep producing, the Raiders could quickly establish themselves as a true contender in the AFC West.
Raider Nation has plenty to be excited about.
