Silver Minings: Give Geno Smith some protection

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Silver Minings: Give Geno Smith some protection

The Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive line is clearly a major key to the team’s success on that side of the ball in the 2025 NFL season.

The team, which struggled badly on offense last season, has upgraded on the unit. Yet, it won’t matter much of the offensive line, which was part of the problem a season ago, doesn’t take the next step this season.

If it does, though, the team could be in business because Geno Smith cooks when he gets good protection.

This recent tweet by NFL analyst Warren Sharp shows that as Smith was among the league leaders last year when it comes to completion percentage on unpressured throws of seven or more yards in 2024.

completion % on unpressured passes 7+ yards downfield

68% – Brock Purdy
67%
66% – Jared Goff
65%
64% – Tua Tagovailoa,Jayden Daniels
63% – Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts
62% – Geno Smith
61% – Matthew Stafford, Daniel Jones
60% – Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, Joe Flacco, Derek Carr,…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 19, 2025

This is just another example of the importance of better offensive-line play this season.

In other Raiders’ news:

• Preview time: PFF looks at the Raiders’ chances this season.

• Roster breakdown: The Raiders’ website breaks down the initial 53-man roster.
• Best teams: SB Nation shows the numbers dictate the NFL’s best all-time teams.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...107589/raiders-news-geno-smith-offensive-line