Bucky's Breakdown: Observations from the Raiders' Week 1 win

Sep 09, 2025 at 02:25 PM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

After reviewing the Raiders' 20-13 win over the Patriots, Bucky Brooks shares some of his notes and observations from his film study.

BIG IMPRESSION

The Pete Carroll era started with a bang, with the Silver and Black playing outstanding complementary football to claim their first win of the season. The offense, defense and special teams units worked as one as the Raiders forced the Patriots to play on their terms, particularly in the second half. With Geno Smith posting a 300-yard passing game and the defense limiting TreVeyon Henderson and Co. to 60 rushing yards, the Raiders put the pressure on the Patriots' second-year quarterback (Drake Maye) to make plays with the game on the line. Given Maye's inexperience, it was only a matter of time before the Raiders took advantage of his miscues and inconsistencies to scratch out a hard-fought victory on the road.

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KEYS TO VICTORY

The Raiders play solid football in every phase to knock off the Patriots. The offense was efficient and explosive behind Smith's pinpoint passing. The former Pro Bowler connected on 70% of his throws (24-of-34 for 362 yards), exhibiting outstanding touch, timing and anticipation, targeting receivers at intermediate range. Smith's instant chemistry with All-Pro Brock Bowers (five receptions for 103 yards on eight targets) enabled the offense to consistently move the chains despite a sputtering rush attack that could not get untracked with Ashton Jeanty bottled up for most of the game. Defensively, the Raiders dominated the critical situations (third-down, red zone and turnovers) to tilt the game in their favor. Though the Raiders' workmanlike effort lacked pizzazz, the final result speaks to the sound execution of a team that is playing winning football under a championship coach.

SMITH'S STORY

Carroll handpicked the former Pro Bowler to lead the franchise after an impressive run in Seattle. Smith did not disappoint with a 300-yard game in his debut that showcased his efficient play from the pocket. From his outstanding anticipation of intermediate routes to his fastballs thrown into tight windows, Smith painted the corners like an MLB pitcher tossing a complete game in a playoff series. The veteran's superb accuracy and sound judgment enabled him to seamlessly transition from game manager to playmaker based on the situation and circumstance. As Chip Kelly continues to build creative gameplans around Smith's talents, the Raiders' passing game will continue to stress opponents with the balanced distribution (seven different receivers finished with at least one catch) and high efficiency that makes an offense nearly impossible to defend.

UNSUNG HERO

On a team full of misfits, Devin White stands out as a potential star based on his debut with the Raiders. The former Pro Bowler led the team with 11 total tackles and a tackle for loss. While the numbers jump off the stat sheet, White's energy, effort and physicality show up when reviewing the All-22 coaches' footage. The veteran has a knack as a "see ball, get ball" defender on the second level. As defensive coordinator Patrick Graham tweaks the defense to maximize the playmakers at his disposal, he could expand his call sheet to create more big play chances for his disruptive linebacker with outstanding instincts, awareness and range.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

The Raiders offense will not earn an A+ for their performance against the Patriots, but Carroll and Kelly should be pleased with how the unit controlled the game when needed. Smith led the way with his efficient play from the pocket, particularly on his throws to Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers between the numbers. The veteran also hit the mark on a few vertical throws to Tre Tucker and Dont'e Thornton Jr. that took advantage of the Patriots' over-aggressiveness in the defensive backfield. Although the lack of a consistent running game could hinder the Raiders down the road, Jeanty's flashes as a goal-line back suggest he will eventually emerge as a pivotal playmaker in the backfield. With the Raiders displaying the potential to attack with an explosive passing game and an opportunistic ground attack built around a star runner, the offense matches the throwback offense Kelly and Carroll envision in Las Vegas.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

The veteran-laden defense played the standard against the Patriots. The Silver and Black swarmed to the ball, with 11 defenders maintaining proper leverage on ball carriers and pass catchers in space. Maxx Crosby sparked the defense with his persistent pressure off the edges, utilizing various pass rush maneuvers that overwhelm and/or overpower blockers at the line. With the steady pressure forcing Maye into errant throws and poor decisions, the Raiders were able to control the game, utilizing a low-risk strategy that took advantage of the young quarterback's inexperience and questionable judgment.

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) arrives to the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.