Pete Carroll has Geno Smith’s back. The new Raiders coach, 73, defended his quarterback Sunday when asked about Smith’s decision to flip off a Seahawks fan during Thursday’s preseason game, which served as the duo’s Seattle homecoming.

Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek identified the ideal target when they acquired Geno Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The move reunited Carroll with Smith. Smith has been as advertised at training camp.

Pete Carroll’s Seattle return ended without a winner when Jalan Gaines blocked Daniel Carlson’s 55-yard field-goal try for Las Vegas as time expired, leaving the Raiders and Seahawks tied at 23 on Thursday night.