FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Geno Smith did not blink.
It would have been easy for the Raiders' new quarterback to lean in on any number of excuses - the ball was wet, his protection was leaky, the run game was getting stuffed - but Smith, who has seen his fair share of wonky goings-on since entering the NFL in 2013, simply stayed the course.
Yes, even after his ill-advised pass to Brock Bowers into double-coverage was tipped and picked off and served as an omen for what followed, a lengthy stall for the Raiders offense in the form of three straight three-and-outs.
Smith did not blink.
Not until after he had picked himself up, dusted himself off and authored a franchise record for most passing yards in a quarterback's debut and the final gun had sounded on the Raiders' feel-good 20-13 season-opening win at the Patriots on Sunday.
And that mentality is exactly what the Raiders need from the most important position in team sports if they want to make some noise this season, something the Raiders have missed at quarterback for years.
Or did you miss him connecting with rookie receiver Dont'e Thornton on a deep ball late in the fourth quarter that all but sealed the win, a 36-yard thing of beauty on 3rd-and-20?
"In those situations, man, game on the line, I love the ball in my hands," Smith said. "That's what I live for, man. That's what I play this game for."
The Raiders started out strong, taking the season's initial drive 66 yards in an efficient 2:23 with Smith finding Tre Tucker for a 26-yard touchdown on 3rd and 11.
Sensing a trend yet?
And after the Raiders defense responded by forcing a three-and-out from the Patriots, Smith again went to work. Until he clocked out.
Kinda.
Smith had been dealing, finding needles to thread and leading receivers to big YAC gains. Then came the INT and, if Gillette Stadium had natural grass instead of artificial turf, you'd say Smith and the Raiders got stuck in the mud.
Honestly, it felt eerily similar to last year's game at Denver, the Raiders threatening to go up 17-3 in the second quarter and blow out the Broncos before Gardner Minshew threw a 100-yard pick-six to Patrick Surtain II. That play, and game, sent the Raiders into a 10-game tailspin
Alas, Smith stuck to it, deftly avoiding the definition of insanity, of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result by taking to the coaching adjustments afforded at halftime.
The O-line stiffening up helped, too, as did Isaiah Pola-Mao's momentum-turning third-quarter interception, helped in part by Maxx Crosby hitting Drake Maye as he threw the ball.
Football is a complementary game of momentum, and it definitely swung back to Smith after Pola-Mao's pick. The challenge, then, was for Smith to take it and run with it.
He did, and then some. Smith's 362 passing yards overtook Dan Pastorini's 1980 record of 317 yards. And Smith, who never saw a tight window he didn't want to hit, completed 70.6% of his passes, 24-of-34, while getting sacked four times and finishing with a 102.8 passer rating.
"We've seen it all camp," tight end Brock Bowers, who had five catches for 103 yards and was one of eight pass catchers targeted by Smith, said of his quarterback's accuracy in tight windows. "No one on the team is shocked, really. It's good that we can come out here and showcase what he can do.
"We stalled, obviously, I don't know what caused that, but we know what we're capable of. We just all had to lock back in and really get back rolling."
Since longtime starter Derek Carr was benched with two games to play in the 2022 season, the Raiders have started seven different quarterbacks – Jarrett Stidham, Jimmy Garoppolo, Aidan O'Connell, Brian Hoyer, Minshew, Desmond Ridder and now Smith.
Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller has blocked for them all and was impressed with Smith in New England, particularly with his third-down conversion to Thornton.
"He's an ultimate competitor," Miller said of Smith. "He's calm and focused back there. Of course we can do a better job of cleaning up [protections], but when you're backed up like that, and then he can step up and make a throw like that, that's just confidence."
And, according to Smith, he is, well, him.
"I know who I am, I know what I can do," he said. "Mistakes happen. Things happen within the game. There was a tipped pass. I made the right read. Could have made a better throw. But those guys made a play on it, and the ball tipped up, guy made a play. … I'm going to keep going. I'm me.
"I just know who I am. I know what I can do on that field, so I never worry."
Nor did his teammates, not even his youngest ones, have to worry Sunday.
"I mean, that's just Geno, bro," said rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. "He's not going to hang his head over one play. He's a leader. He's leading this team and, obviously, he balled out, and one play doesn't define the game, or you as a person."
Blink, and you'll miss it.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) makes a 26-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates with center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after making a 26-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45), cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) and linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) and defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after rushing for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after rushing for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) after rushing for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight ends coach Luke Steckel on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up to kick a 51-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a 40-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates with quarterback Geno Smith (7) after kicking a 40-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Justin Shorter (88) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) and linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) and running back Ashton Jeanty (2) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
