How the Raiders Aim to Prove Anything is Possible

Following practice this week, Peter Carroll explained his confidence in his team, as he believes they had a great week of practice. It is a long season, and Carroll is eager to see what his team looks like on the field in a game that counts.

"We've had a great week. The whole preparation, all the way back to the springtime, has been leading to getting ready for this season coming up. This happens to be the first real game for us, an in-season game," Carroll said.

"And whether or not we hit it right or not, we're going to find out how we do and how we play. Really, what I want these guys to do is play like they're capable and go out there and play the game that they know how to play, that we’ve come to count on them to be and do. And if we do that, we'll be fine."

The Raiders have not had much success as a team recently, but they hope an influx of talent with a new and different energy can help turn things around. Geno Smith is the latest addition the Raiders made this offseason that has brought a different energy with him.

Smith's skill set, confidence, and energy have allowed him to be himself. Still, Carroll noted that he appreciates the mindset and attitude Smith brings. Carroll compares Smith's demeanor and drive to that of some of the team's top emotional leaders.

"I love that in all of our players, and he's no different than E-Rob [Elandon Roberts] or Maxx [Crosby], those guys. They got the same kind of juice that they bring to the game. And we know that sometimes it's appropriate and sometimes it isn't," Carroll said.

"So we just have to work it with the quarterback position. But Geno [Smith] has been a fiery competitor since a little kid, and that's him being himself, and I want him to be as true to him as he can possibly be. And so, we'll work at all the rest of it."