The Las Vegas Raiders showed a jubilant side on Sunday for the seventh time since 2015. But Pete Carroll and Geno Smith this time led the Week 1 win. Collaborating to prevail against a feisty New England Patriots team.
The franchise improved to 7-3 in their last 10 season openers. Only now the new head coach and quarterback tasted their first victory in the silver and black.
Carroll didn't hesitate to show his exuberant side inside the locker room. Calling it a “beautiful job” in getting the 20-13 win.
“This is why we work so freakin' hard,” Carroll told his players.
Smith, meanwhile, handed Carroll the game ball for getting his first win with the franchise. The new QB shattered a Raiders record too. Smith shredded the Pats with 362 yards in his debut — now the best mark for a Raiders QB making his debut. It broke the previous mark held by Dan Pastorini in 1980, as he hit 317 yards.
How Pete Carroll, Geno Smith led efficient Raiders over Patriots
Carroll pivoted to an old school style to win against one of his former teams. He coached the Patriots from 1997 to 1999 — before Bill Belichick created the Pats' dynasty with Tom Brady.
The defensive minded head coach unleashed a unit that sacked Drake Maye four times. Maxx Crosby earned one of the sacks. Meanwhile a new and improved Tyree Wilson tussled down Maye once too. Jonah Laulu and Malcolm Koonce grabbed one sack each.
The pass rush then forced this errant Maye throw. Ultimately falling into the hands of Isaiah Pola-Mao.
Picked off by Pola-Mao 😏#LVvsMIN | 📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/6ixtvchG6L
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 7, 2025
The Raiders additionally tallied six tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Linebacker Devin White helped win the trench battle for the Raiders with his first TFL as a Raider.
Sunday presented the highly-anticipated debut of Ashton Jeanty in the backfield. However New England held him to only 19 carries for 38 yards. Still, Carroll's first Raiders defense dominated the line of scrimmage. New England averaged only 3.3 yards per carry on the ground.
The Pats struggled containing Brock Bowers, though. Last season's breakout rookie caught five passes for 103 yards to lead Vegas in the latter stat. Jakobi Meyers led the way on the receptions end, hauling in eight for 97 yards.
Carroll is now 12-7 overall in season opening wins.
