In a necessary bid to shore up their offense before the 2023 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders have taken a series of big swings this offseason. The franchise has recently welcomed in new starting quarterback Geno Smith and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. They’re looking to address their perennial quarterback issues and improve on their oft-inferior offensive production. The Raiders are motivated to add to their passing attack. This imperative to do better comes at a especially important time, as frequent deficiencies have marred their effectiveness over the past seasons.
Smith brought a happy ending to the fairytale run with Carroll. Following an impressive rookie campaign, he is now set to provide an intriguing layer of spice to the Raiders’ offense. That experience shows with a clear understanding of how to lead a collaborative offensive unit. This talent might just be what a maligned group needs to change its luck. Jeanty’s arrival injects a more dynamic playmaker into the fold at running back. He provides defensive versatility and depth on a roster that is hungry for competition and some new blood.
Geno Smith’s Impact on the Raiders
The Raiders have struggled with quarterback performance in recent years, leading to inconsistent results on the field. As for Smith, he’s seen as the solution to this long-running predicament. His few years of tutelage under Pete Carroll really honed his edge. It underscored his ability to make quick decisions and quickly scan the field to find the best receiving options.
Smith’s leadership and immediate maturity should carry over to the rest of the locker room as well. His previous experience includes directing operations of major teams during the most extreme stakes. This stability can’t be overstated for a franchise that has often fluctuated between talents or lack thereof at the quarterback position. He walks into the job with the Raiders today, and Raiders fans are optimistic. They’ll be looking to him to bring new energy to the team’s offensive game plan.
Aside from Smith, the Raiders have made their fair share of blockbuster roster acquisitions to maximize and diversify their scoring efforts. The team drafted Ashton Jeanty during the first night of the NFL draft, signaling their commitment to building a dynamic offense that can compete in a challenging division.
“We view him as a receiver that’s going to have a lot of value in the kicking game, potentially as a returner, as a cover player, maybe play some quarterback, too.” – Brandon Yeargan
The Arrival of Ashton Jeanty
Ashton Jeanty being the first Boise State player chosen in the 2024 NFL draft has fans and analysts buzzing. The dynamic young running back would be an ideal fit alongside Josh Jacobs in the backfield, providing another gear and making the Raiders’ rushing attack even more potent. His versatility makes him a true weapon who can be used in multiple different ways—in the backfield, out wide and perhaps as an in-line receiver.
The Raiders’ front office understands the value of versatile talent who can seamlessly transition between various offensive systems. It’s Jeanty’s ability to contribute in a variety of ways that makes him an invaluable asset for the team going forward.
The Raiders are playing a long game and clearly want to shape their roster in a very specific way. Pivotal players such as Kolton Miller bolster the offensive line, giving Smith the protection he needs. This revamping of artistic talent could lead to a more deathly offensive firepower that could have defenses moving their pieces more consistently than seasons in the past.
Strengthening the Tight End Position and Offensive Line
The Raiders are clearly working hard to upgrade both their quarterback and running back positions. They are equally as intent on making their tight end group deeper. Brock Bowers has quickly gained recognition as one of the league’s best tight ends, making him a critical component of the team’s offensive strategy. His ability to force mismatches against opposing defenses will be key as the Raiders continue to open up their playbook, looking to stretch the field vertically.
Moreover, Alex Cappa’s signing of a two-year deal with Las Vegas earlier this year further solidifies the team’s commitment to improving its offensive line. His unique combination of experience and skill will keep Smith safe from rushers while opening running lanes for Jeanty and other backs to burn through.
The team’s depth is phenomenal as they have several standout players including DJ Glaze and Gottlieb Ayedze. Charles Grant, Parker Clements, Thayer Munford Jr, Michael Mayer, Qadir Ismail, Justin Shorter, Ian Thomas, among many others play key roles on offense and special teams. This shared power through a network of aligned changemakers can drive the kind of unified movement that is primed to win.
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