Pick Six: Quarterback showdown between Geno Smith and Caleb Williams in Week 4

Sep 26, 2025 at 02:52 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Second-year sensation at QB1

The threat Caleb Williams poses is the main point of emphasis for the Raiders.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is seemingly coming into his own under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. As the Bears offense continues getting adjusted to Johnson's elaborate playbook, Williams is among the top 10 quarterbacks in passing touchdowns (seven), passer rating (107.6) and rushing yards (97). The Bears' revamped offensive line has also been a contributing factor in Williams' success, as he was not sacked in a game for the first time in his career in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys.

"First thing that jumped out is the physicality with the offensive line," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. "They've got a lot of good, big players up there, good size, that play pretty physical. And the second thing that would jump out, just in general about the offense, is the team speed. The skill players, along with the quarterback, there's an enormous amount of speed out there on the field."

"And then in terms of Caleb, you're seeing the maturity of a second-year player at the quarterback position," Graham added. "Being decisive, having his confidence grow, I think Ben [Johnson] does a good job of helping aid that. I mean, has a proven track record of installing offense, implementing good schemes. He's a great challenge in terms of just to prepare for."

The Raiders defense will be looking to rebound this Sunday after allowing 41 points to the Washington Commanders. The Silver and Black have secured a sack in 38 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL (10 more than next team on list, Denver Broncos).

Next man up in tight end room

Tight end Michael Mayer has been ruled out for Sunday's game due to a concussion. Therefore Ian Thomas will be expected to step up in 12 personnel alongside Brock Bowers.

Thomas signed with the Raiders this offseason, previously compiling 1,062 receiving yards and four touchdowns in seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers. However, his true value could shine this weekend as a blocker. The Silver and Black are still trying to get rookie running back Ashton Jeanty going as he's currently averaging 3.1 yards per carry. Additionally, Geno Smith was sacked five times by the Commanders. This season, Thomas a 77.5 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus and hasn't allowed a sack since 2023.

"Ian has been right there every step of the way." Pete Carroll said Friday. "Was a really fortunate get for us. He's got experience and background, versatility, all of that, and they really share those roles for us."

Edmunds family reunion

While safety Terrell Edmunds is on the practice squad, his team is going head-to-head with that of his younger brother Tremaine Edmunds.

Tremaine, while currently starting at inside linebacker, has been the Bears' most productive defender through three games. He leads the Bears in interceptions (two), total tackles (29) and is tied with Tyrique Stevenson in pass deflections (three).

Terrell was elevated to the active roster for the season opener against the Patriots, and could possibly find his way back on the field this Sunday on special teams. Tremaine currently owns a 2-1 lead over his older brother in games they've gone against each other.

"I'm really proud of him," Terrell said Friday. "Last game he had 15 tackles, two picks. He's going crazy right now. Hopefully not against us though."

A look at Chicago's defense

The Bears defense is coming into the contest banged up, with starters T.J Edwards and Grady Jarrett ruled out and defensive back Kyler Gordon coming into the game with a questionable tag.

This could be a good opportunity for the Raiders to have another showing like they did in Week 1 in which they totaled nearly 400 offensive yards. Through three games, the Bears have allowed the fourth-most points (93) and the sixth-most yards (1,161) while also producing the seventh-fewest quarterback sacks (five) in the league. Before the slate of Week 4 games kicked off, Geno Smith was second in the league in passing yards (831).

While the Bears have blitzed the least amount of times of any defense in the league, they're top 10 in quarterback pressure percentage at 23 percent.

"Really, really stout defense, man," Geno Smith said of his evaluation of the Bears. "Really tough up front – six, five guys across the board on the D-line. MIKE linebacker, with Tremaine Edmunds, who I think is a great player. I think he's one of the best middle linebackers in the game. They've got great corners safeties, Kevin Byard III, a guy who's been a perennial All-Pro, has made a lot of plays in his career. And they're extremely smart. They play hard NFL defense. Another chance for us to go out there and prove ourselves."

Getting back on the right track

The Raiders will try and shake a two-game losing streak to the Chicago Bears, most recently suffering a 30-12 defeat the last time they played in Week 7 of the 2023 season.

Notably, Pete Carroll has a 5-1 record as a head coach in games after starting the season 1-2.

"It's so much different this week from last week because of the style of practice we had to because the late game and all that kind of stuff on Monday," Carroll said. "And this was a regular back to format schedule this week, and it was so much better. It was so much better. I mean, we have a whole style of how we do it, and expectations and standards and all that. We got to get right back to it, and so I'm really pleased with the week."