The Patriots spent the offseason talking about toughness, but their season opener told a different story. In front of the home crowd, New England stumbled early, finding no rhythm until the second quarter. By then, Las Vegas had already pushed the tempo. All thanks to Geno Smith. The guy was pure clutch. He shredded the Patriots’ defense, hooking up repeatedly with All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, and driving the Raiders to a 20-13 victory.

Geno Smith’s showing in the Raiders’ season opener would typically earn quarterbacks nods and headlines. With 362 yards through the air, Smith’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. Still, Pete Carroll shrugged it off, “Geno had a regular game today. I don’t think it was a big statement game or anything like that.” Carroll’s co

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