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.

Before the game, when the Raiders were getting ready to run onto the field while in the tunnel, Smith saw a sign from a Seahawks fan that read “Bigger bust: Geno Smith, or JaMarcus Russell,” you know, JaMarcus Russell as in the former No. 1 pick by the Raiders.

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.