Raiders’ Geno Smith Gives Blunt Response on Jakobi Meyers Connection
Geno Smith’s go-to receiver in the Las Vegas Raiders‘ Week 1 over the New England Patriots was Jakobi Meyers. Moreover, the veteran signal-caller explained why there’s a connection with Meyers right out of the gate.
In Week 1, Smith completed 24 of 34 passes for 362 yards and a touchdown. The veteran receiver added eight catches for 97 yards, putting together a standout performance in New England.
His lone touchdown came on a 26-yard strike to Tre Tucker in the first quarter, while he also connected with tight end Brock Bowers five times for 103 yards. Late in the fourth, Smith threw a 36-yard pass to rookie Dont’e Thornton, helping the Raiders secure the win.
On September 11, Smith spoke to the media and shared what led to that instant relationship with Meyers.
“I think it’s the fact that he played quarterback,” Smith said. “You know, he’s very QB-friendly. He understands the game. He knows where to be, when to be there. He’s got great hands as you can see, very good after the catch. Really impressive in that area.”
Geno Smith Gives Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers Love
While Smith understands the aspect that Meyers brings to the field, another reason why the relationship has instantly connected is because of how the wide receiver conducts himself off the field.
“I think the most impressive thing is just how humble he is and how much of a team player he is and how much he wants the other guys around him to be great. I think that’s something that is special and it’s rare in that position room. And so we got a lot of great guys, but I enjoy playing with Jacobe. I think he’s one of the best.”
Neither player connected for a touchdown against the Patriots. However, the elements did play a role in it. It will be interesting to see if these two connect for a touchdown or even more receiving yards playing at home.
Geno Smith Shares Mindset for Raiders
After the win over New England, Smith told CBS Sports he’s happy to kick off his time in Las Vegas with a strong performance. Though the former Seattle Seahawks quarterback is earning plenty of praise, he remains focused and
“Just one win,“ Smith said. “We’ve got a long ways to go. Happy we got to win, but we got to work tomorrow. I’m ready for work… I think we just stuck with the game plan. I thought we did execute it better in the second half. It’s a four-quarter game. They’re a good team as well. I mean, it’s the NFL. They’re going to win some as well. But we stuck with it, no one panicked, and we kept going, and we figured it out.”
Las Vegas now shifts focus to Week 2, where it will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC West matchup. Both teams come into the game riding a win and will be looking to start 2-0 in the 2025 NFL season, with the Chargers having beaten the
BREAKING: Positive update clouded by disappointing news ahead of Week 2 vs. Colts
The Denver Broncos are gearing up for a showdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 of the NFL regular season. Denver's defense looks in midseason form, and though the offense struggled, some bright spots should have Broncos Country more than excited for what's next.
Ahead of the contest, the Broncos face a busy practice week preparing for the Colts. On Wednesday, Nate Adkins, John Franklin-Meyers, and Dre Greenlaw did not practice, with Evan Engram being limited, and Alex Singleton, a full participant.
With Thursday's update, it was a mix of good and bad news, with a disappointing update on Greenlaw. As Mike Klis, Broncos reporter for 9News, shared on X that Greenlaw might look to ramp up practice next week in hopes of being back by Week 4. Greenlaw, as Klis shared, avoided IR, which would have forced him to miss at least four weeks.
Engram got another day of practice in, while Franklin-Meyers and Adkins were able to return to practice in some capacity. This was the first time Adkins has been on the field after suffering a high ankle sprain in a joint practice with the 49ers. For Engram and Franklin-Myers, they were full participants after either missing practice entirely or being limited on Wednesday, which is a huge win.
Engram had been limited after suffering a calf injury during the Week 1 victory. During the preseason, the tight end had some electric moments that Broncos Country is more than ready to see during the regular season.
Payton has been waiting for Adkins to return
Adkins' return was big for the organization, with a player who is eager to contribute.
Head coach Sean Payton has been vocal about how important Adkins is for what the team is trying to achieve. In August, the head coach was telling reporters how the tight end was a lock for the roster and how they're going to need him moving forward.
“I can’t say he’s going to be medically ready to play Week 1, but close enough to where we’re probably going to hold him," Payton said. "We discussed it the other day, he’s going to beat the short-term [. . .] Week 2, Week 3. He’s too good of a football player for us. We’re going to need him.”
John Franklin-Myers is back at practice
Zac Stevens from DNVR Broncos shared the exciting update about Franklin-Meyers' return after the defensive end had missed practice on Wednesday. He played in 36 defensive snaps against the Titans and finished with one total tackle and an assisted tackle. He was a full participant, which gives the defensive front a boost after he was limited on Wednesday.
In 2024, Franklin-Myers was one of six players to record at least five sacks.
A mixed bag with more positives than negatives on the injury front, with an exciting update on Adkins returning to the football field. All that's left to do is wait as the Broncos will release their final injury report on Friday, which should include some game-time statuses.
