Geno Smith: Raiders Have To Find Ways To Get Brock Bowers The Ball

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers got off to a strong start this season with five catches for 103 yards in their Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots. However, he also suffered a knee injury in that contest, and although he hasn’t missed either of the ensuing two contests, he has yet to return to the form he showed in that first contest and throughout last season.

Bowers finished with just 38 yards in each of the Raiders’ last two games and hasn’t quite looked like himself, unable to break out for any of the big plays he is known for. Following the Raiders’ Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders, Bowers even admitted to being a bit frustrated with his health issues, which have contributed to his slow start this season.

But Geno Smith came to his tight end’s defense in his recent discussion with reporters. The Raiders quarterback said that Bowers hasn’t shown any of that frustration to the team while also putting the onus on himself and the coaches to figure out more ways to get him the ball, via Raiders YouTube:

“I haven’t seen any frustration from him. I think if he does have frustration, I think it’s internal. He’s done a good job of keeping it internal. Obviously, he’s toughing through some things and he’s playing really well, I think. He’s still moving the same as from what I can see. And really, we just got to get him the ball. We got to find ways to get him the ball and get him more involved so he can really feel good about what he’s doing. He’s playing the same as I’ve seen. I haven’t talked to him about any of that so I haven’t heard any of that. But, I think, like I said, I think very highly of Brock. I think he’s best tight end in the league. And, it’s my job to get him the ball and make sure that he is on point.”

Simply put, Bowers is the Raiders’ most dynamic offensive weapon, and this team has to get him going in order to fully unleash the potential on this squad. The knee injury has certainly played a factor, as has the team’s inability to get the run game going, which makes it easier for defenses to key in on Bowers, especially when he is less than 100%.

But it is great to see Smith being a leader and defending his teammate while also acknowledging that the Raiders have to put Bowers in a position to perform like the All-Pro he showed himself to be last season.

Raiders considering working out free agent offensive linemen?

Of course, a major issue for the offense as a whole has been their struggles up front on the offensive line, which affects everything. The team is reportedly looking to bring in a couple of free agents to work out and potentially help bolster this group.