Geno Smith Leads the Seattle Seahawks To a Win Over the Oakland Raiders, 17-15

The Seattle Seahawks have defeated the Oakland Raiders in the last preseason game with 17-15, inflicting Jon Gruden’s team their first loss. The hosts were led by fantastic Geno Smith who prepared the first two touchdowns.

Who knows how much more would he set if it weren’t for the injury which forced him to leave the field. Smith, a 28-year old quarterback, who was once a big hope of the New York Jets, is battling to become Russell Wilson’s backup. And the way he played against the Raiders should secure that position.

Smith tossed two touchdown passes in less than 23 minutes and was looking confident while leading the Seahawks offense. Against the Raiders he completed 4 of 7 passes for 107 yards and scored on the opening drive of the home team.

GENO SMITH!@GenoSmith3 tosses a 39-yard DIME to Terry Wright! @Tlove_6 #OAKvsSEA pic.twitter.com/AudENi4lEX

— NFL (@NFL) August 30, 2019

Following the match, Smith stated that he knows his current situation, but that he wants to show the world that he can be a starting QB, and that he has all the needed requirements for that job.

“My job is to go out and show people that I can be a starter in this league,” said Smith. “Obviously I have to assume my role here, but my job is to continue to show people who I am as a player. I was drafted in this league for a reason. I still have that same skill set.”

He first connected Terry Wright with a 39-yard pass, and later Jacob Hollister with an 11-yard completion. It would secure the lead for the Seahawks at the break, 14-6. The play-caller which gave him the instructions was none other than Wilson himself. After the event, Russ explained to the reporters that he thinks Smith just might be what the team needs.

During one drive he suffered a strong sack by Gabe White, which forced him to leave the field.

It was more of a precaution measure because of the surgery he underwent at the beginning of the month. Smith had a cyst removed from his left knee, and the team didn’t want to risk anything.

The player stated after the match that he feels fine.

“It feels fine right now. Really scary incident there got rolled up on,” Smith said. “Just had to take a second. Kind of scared me.”

On the other side, the guy who brought points for the Raiders was the sophomore kicker Daniel Carlson who hit three field goals, the longest one 43-yards.

Nate Peterman threw 20 for 27 for 158 yards but without a touchdown, same as Mike Glennon who collected 78 yards completing 9 of his 13 passing attempts. Coach Jon Gruden still hasn’t decided who will be the backup solution for Derek Carr.

“I thought both quarterbacks moved the rock and put our team in position to score and took care of the ball,” said Gruden.

Both Peterman and Glennon were doing just fine throughout the preseason and showed reliable quality which might come handy to the Raiders during the regular part of the campaign.

Since the moment of Smith’s departure off the field, the guests were better but couldn’t turn the result. James Butler rushed into the end zone with 1:43 until the end, and the score was 17-15 for the Seahawks. Gruden decided to go for a two-point conversion, but that idea didn’t give any effect, and the Raiders lost the game.

The season for both sides starts at home. The Seahawks will host the Cincinnati Bengals on September 8, while one day later, Oakland faces the Denver Broncos.