Geno Smith throws TD pass in only drive for Raiders, who fall to Cardinals 20-10

By Canadian Press on August 23, 2025.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Clayton Tune threw a touchdown pass and ran for 47 yards, leading the Arizona Cardinals over the Las Vegas Raiders 20-10 on Saturday night in the preseason finale for both teams.

The Raiders (0-2-1) played several starters on their opening offensive and defensive drives, and each unit had success against the Cardinals’ backups. The Las Vegas defense forced a punt without allowing a first down and then the offense went on a touchdown drive that took less than five minutes.

Geno Smith capped the nine-play, 60-yard drive with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr., who fought off Denzel Burke at the front pylon to make the catch and give Las Vegas a 7-0 lead.

Smith completed 2 of 3 passes for 26 yards and the touchdown, backup Aidan O’Connell was 3 of 4 for 36 yards before leaving with a right wrist injury and third-string rookie Cam Miller was 12 of 24 for 102 yards.

Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty gained five yards on two carries. Zamir White ran for a team-high 42 yards on nine carries. The Raiders’ defense had five sacks.

Tune handled the entire game for Arizona, and the third-string quarterback finished with 83 yards passing. He connected with Simi Fehoko on a 10-yard touchdown late in the first quarter, tying the game at 7-all.

Cardinals (2-1) rookie Jordan Burch, a third round pick out of Oregon, had a sack and forced a fumble. Xavier Thomas had two sacks. Most of Arizona’s starters — including quarterback Kyler Murray — haven’t played since the preseason opener against the Chiefs.

The 27-year-old Fehoko also caught a touchdown pass in last week’s game against the Broncos. Running back Michael Carter — who like Fehoko is fighting for a roster spot — had a 31-yard gain in the first half, turning what looked like a dead play into a long gain after bouncing off a pile of bodies at the line of scrimmage.

Zonovan Knight ran for a 67-yard touchdown late in the third quarter to give the Cardinals a 17-10 lead.

Las Vegas’ Daniel Carlson connected on a 52-yard field goal in the second quarter.

Injuries

O’Connell left the game in the second quarter and didn’t return. … Cardinals cornerback Jaylon Jones was evaluated for a concussion.

Up next

The Cardinals travel to face New Orleans and the Raiders visit New England on Sunday, Sept. 7 in the regular season’s opening week.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

David Brandt, The Associated Press