Raiders’ Geno Smith Doesn’t Hold Back on Two Key Players
The Las Vegas Raiders have two promising receivers who could be vital pieces for the foreseeable future. Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. were drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and are navigating the rollercoaster life as rookies.
Despite the Silver and Black losing 40-6 to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, one of the bright spots on offense was Bech getting involved in the passing game. Bech recorded three receptions for 27 receiving yards. Now, these aren’t eye-popping numbers, but he did record a season high so far,
As a result, veteran quarterback Geno Smith is beginning to look for Bech more often than he did to start the 2025 NFL season. On October 8, Smith spoke with the media and shared words about his young receiver.
“I thought he made some plays,” Smith told reporters. “I thought he had some tough catches in there. I thought he did a good job competing. I thought he did a good job learning as the game went along. As he continues to play and grow, he’ll keep getting better. He’s a really good player — a talented young player — and he’s just growing into what he’s going to become.”
Raiders’ Dont’e Thornton Jr. Gets Praise
While Bech is starting to get more involved, Thornton Jr. has hit the ground running to begin his NFL career. However, in his last two games, the rookie wide receiver has yet to record a reception. Nonetheless, Smith praised the young wideout for the work that he’s putting in behind the scenes.
“Repetition is always going to be the father of learning. Continue to rep these things, talking in the meeting room and in the classroom. I call him late at night
“He’s learning, as we all are, and he’s getting better from week to week. That’s all you can ask from him. He’s taking the right approach, and it’s going to click soon. It’s going to click, and I really believe that.”
Can the Raiders Improve Their Passing Game?
While Las Vegas is betting that these young talents will figure out life in the NFL, the Raiders offense also needs to improve after a disastrous Week 5 where they could only record six points. Smith has recently stated what the group must do to get back on track against the Tennessee Titans and snap their four-game losing streak.
“Work harder, study harder, study longer, band together, become a tighter group,” Smith said after the loss to the Colts on October 5. “And I think we’re already a tight group, but we
“They’re going to face a tough team every week. Man, that’s the
John Lynch provides injury update on 49ers quarterback Mac Jones
The San Francisco 49ers have been ravaged by injuries so far this season.
They've lost superstar pass rusher Nick Bosa for the season, and other key players have missed extended time as well, including Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall.
Even backup quarterback Mac Jones, who has played well in place of the injured Purdy, has popped up on the injury report with an oblique injury.
John Lynch downplays Mac Jones' injury
In an appearance on KNBR, Niners general manager John Lynch was asked about Jones' injury, which was new this week.
"No, I think we feel pretty good about where he's going to be," said Lynch via The Athletic's Matt Barrows.
Jones has been hobbled since taking over the starting job from the injured Purdy, and he took a beating last Thursday night in the Niners' win over the Los Angeles Rams.
The Alabama product was sacked only once throughout the overtime victory, but was hit 10 times throughout the game.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that Jones was suffering through extreme cramps in both legs while fighting off the urge to vomit.
Through three starts, the former 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has put up some gaudy numbers, completing 66.7% of his passes for 905 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception.
Jones is a tough player, and it seems like he's willing to play through just about anything to stay on the field. It's unlikely an oblique injury will prevent him from suiting up on Sunday when San Francisco takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
