Geno Smith’s go-to receiver in the Las Vegas Raiders‘ Week 1 over the New England Patriots was Jakobi Meyers. Moreover, the veteran signal-caller explained why there’s a connection with Meyers right out of the gate.

In Week 1, Smith completed 24 of 34 passes for 362 yards and a touchdown. The veteran receiver added eight catches for 97 yards, putting together a standout performance in New England.

His lone touchdown came on a 26-yard strike to Tre Tucker in the first quarter, while he also connected with tight end Brock Bowers five times for 103 yards.

Late in the fourth, Smith threw a 36-yard pass to rookie Dont’e Thornton, helping the Raiders secure the win.

On September 11, Smith spoke to the media and shared what led to that instant relationship with Meyers.

“I think it’s the fact that he played quarterback,” Smith said. “You know, he’s very QB-friendly.

He understands the game. He knows where to be, when to be there. He’s got great hands as you can see, very good after the catch. Really impressive in that area.”

Geno Smith Gives Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers Love

While Smith understands the aspect that Meyers brings to the field, another reason why the relationship has instantly connected is because of how the wide receiver conducts himself off the field.

“I think the most impressive thing is just how humble he is and how much of a team player he is and how much he wants the other guys around him to be great.

I think that’s something that is special and it’s rare in that position room. And so we got a lot of great guys, but I enjoy playing with Jacobe. I think he’s one of the best.”

Neither player connected for a touchdown against the Patriots. However, the elements did play a role in it.

It will be interesting to see if these two connect for a touchdown or even more receiving yards playing at home.

Geno Smith Shares Mindset for Raiders

After the win over New England, Smith told CBS Sports he’s happy to kick off his time in Las Vegas with a strong performance.

Though the former Seattle Seahawks quarterback is earning plenty of praise, he remains focused and is approaching each game step by step.

“Just one win,“ Smith said. “We’ve got a long ways to go. Happy we got to win, but we got to work tomorrow. I’m ready for work… I think we just stuck with the game plan. I thought we did execute it better in the second half. It’s a four-quarter game. They’re a good team as well. I mean, it’s the NFL. They’re going to win some as well. But we stuck with it, no one panicked, and we kept going, and we figured it out.”

Las Vegas now shifts focus to Week 2, where it will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC West matchup.

Both teams come into the game riding a win and will be looking to start 2-0 in the 2025 NFL season, with the Chargers having beaten the Kansas City Chiefs in Sao Paulo, Brazil.