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Geno Smith has easily already figured out at training camp what will help him have the most success with the Raiders in 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 12:47 AM ET

Getting Geno Smith, the former Seattle Seahawks quarterback, was one of the best things the Las Vegas Raiders could have done this offseason.

This is not a situation like the last few years, where the Raiders get Jimmy Garoppolo or Gardner Minshew, two guys who were the product of being in good systems, and not actually being talented quarterbacks. Smith has some of the best arm talent in the entire league, and I'm not sure anyone would really argue that.

With the Raiders, it's going to be all about whether the team can protect him and whether they can establish a good enough run game so his arm can do the rest. With the Seahawks, when he was under pressure with that terrible offensive line, he often made mistakes. That's when you get the bad side of Geno Smith.

As for the second half of that -- the Raiders had the worst run game in the league last year, by a wide margin. That can't happen again with Smith as the quarterback, because then there aren't as many opportunities for him to go deep, his best attribute as a passer.

Luckily, Geno Smith has quickly and easily figured out the one thing that will help him have continued success -- Brock Bowers.

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Geno Smith and Brock Bowers connect for a beautiful play at Raiders training camp

"And then I think Brock [Bowers] man, he's an All Pro as a rookie," Smith said during the first day of training camp. "He's one of the better tight ends in the NFL. I can't give him the ball enough. I feel bad every time I don't throw him the ball. So I'm just trying to make sure that I'm maximizing his ability, his talent, because that's going to help our team."

During the first week of practice, Smith and Bowers quickly established a connection. They have already had the best play of training camp so far, as Geno Smith put it in a bread basket for Bowers down the field and in the end zone.

Exploring new connections #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/NvayEPBkUC
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 27, 2025

That's something we can expect to see a lot of. And, Smith has never, ever had a tight end anywhere near the caliber of Bowers. So, it will be interesting to see how that target share works itself out. Bowers should end up being his safety blanket and best friend on the field, as throwing it to a guy who always seems open, and catches everything seems like a recipe for success.

He's already figured that out on his own.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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