The Las Vegas Raiders have announced Geno Smith as their new starting quarterback, ending a period of inconsistent play at the position. The team believes that Smith brings qualities that have been lacking in recent seasons, with expectations that his leadership will result in improved performance.
Pete Carroll, head coach of the Raiders, spoke about what sets Smith apart and referred to insights from Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Bill Walsh. Carroll said, “I think Bill [Walsh] really cut it down to the very most important aspect of it is just when the guy throws the ball do they catch it. And so, what he meant by that wasn’t that, that you throw it easier or soft to the guys (…) It means you put in the right place, you give them the advantage of their positioning with the defense, and you make the opportunity available. I mean, Geno [Smith], what we see the combination of Geno and Brock Bowers. Brock is so adept at making throws look like they’re exactly the right throw, by the way he moves. Well, that’s even a step further than what Coach [Bill] Walsh was talking about.”
Carroll also highlighted Smith’s ability to vary his passes and adapt as needed on the field: “But it is, I think it’s really important you have to – A guy can throw the ball really hard, he can throw really far, and all that kind of looks pretty doing it. But if the ball is in place where the guys can make their plays on it, then it won’t be very effective (…) So Geno has all of that knack. And you see him throw down the field really well as well. And our top guys, Jakobi [Meyers] and Brock, and they’re taking advantage of that and making it look easy, almost. And so I think that’s really what coach was talking about.”
The Raiders hope Smith’s presence will not only improve their passing game but also enhance team performance overall in the upcoming season.
