Carr’s Bold Message to Geno Smith: ‘A Leader Keeps Composure — You Can’t Just Flip Off the Fans’
In a fiery response to Geno Smith’s controversial gesture toward fans, former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr didn’t mince words. Carr, known for his leadership on and off the field, weighed in on the incident after Smith was caught on camera flipping the middle finger to Raiders fans following a disappointing home loss. Carr’s comments shed light on the expectations of a leader, particularly when emotions run high.
“This isn’t just about one bad gesture. It’s about respect, and that’s something that’s earned, not taken for granted,” Carr said in an interview following the incident. “Geno knows better. I get the frustration — I’ve been there. But as the leader on the field, you’ve got to keep your composure, especially in front of the fans. You can’t just flip them off and think it’s gonna slide by. This could cost him more than just a few fans.”
Carr’s reaction underscores the importance of maintaining control in high-pressure situations, especially as the starting quarterback of an NFL team. While Smith’s gesture might have been a moment of emotional release after a tough loss, Carr believes the long-term consequences of such actions are far greater than what might be understood in the heat of the moment.
Leadership and Responsibility on Display
Carr, who spent years as the face of the Raiders’ offense, knows better than anyone the expectations that come with being a starting quarterback in the NFL. Fans look to the leader on the field not just for physical performance but also for emotional stability. In Carr’s view, Smith’s reaction was a failure of leadership, one that could damage his relationship with the team’s fanbase and possibly even affect the team’s morale.
“When you’re the quarterback, you’re not just playing for yourself. You’re playing for every fan who’s out there, for your teammates, for the organization,” Carr continued. “When things aren’t going right, it’s your job to rally the team, not act out in frustration. That’s what makes a true leader.”
The Consequences of Losing Control
Smith’s moment of frustration was caught on camera and quickly spread across social media, where fans and analysts alike weighed in on whether his behavior was justified. While many understood the emotions that come with a tough loss, Carr believes that reacting to those emotions in a negative way can have a lasting impact.
“Geno’s a great quarterback, but no one is bigger than the team or the fans,” Carr explained. “You can’t just throw away respect like that. Leaders are meant to inspire, to keep the locker room together, and that gesture could really sour the relationship with the very people who support you.”
Moving Forward
As the season continues, all eyes will be on Geno Smith to see how he handles the fallout from this incident. Carr’s message is clear: composure and respect are non-negotiable for a leader in the NFL
In the end, it’s a reminder that being a quarterback is about more than throwing the ball accurately — it’s about how you carry yourself and handle the highs and lows of the game. Geno Smith’s journey may be on the line, but as Carr emphasized, the true test of leadership comes when facing adversity with composure.
BREAKING: Rams Get Boost as Tutu Atwell and Ahkello Witherspoon Designated to Return from Injured Reserve
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. (Nov 27, 2025) — The Los Angeles Rams are set to receive a significant boost as wide receiver Tutu Atwell and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon have been designated to return from Injured Reserve ahead of their Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
The Rams’ roster just got a bit stronger this week, as head coach Sean McVay confirmed that both Atwell and Witherspoon have been activated to begin practicing again, opening up a 21-day window for them to rejoin the team’s active roster. After extended periods on the sidelines due to injuries, both players are expected to make their return in Sunday’s crucial game in Charlotte.
Atwell and Witherspoon on Track to Play Against Panthers
McVay was optimistic about both players’ status for Sunday’s game. While acknowledging the unpredictability of their returns, McVay expressed confidence that both would be ready to play.
“I think (Witherspoon) will be able to play this week,” McVay stated. “He got some scans. The goal and the anticipation is to be able to do that. But with both he and Tutu, we’ll get through the week, and we’ll see where they’re both at. But it’ll be good to get them back on the practice field.”
Atwell, who had been sidelined since Week 7 after re-aggravating a hamstring injury, has shown promise when healthy. Before going down with the injury, the speedy receiver had posted impressive numbers, racking up four receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown in just a handful of games. Three of his four catches resulted in first downs, showing that he was emerging as a reliable target in the Rams' high-octane offense. With his return, McVay and the Rams' offense are hoping to regain a dynamic deep-threat presence, something they have sorely missed during Atwell’s absence.
Meanwhile, Witherspoon, who sustained a broken scapula in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans, will also be making his return to bolster the Rams' secondary. Prior to his injury, the veteran cornerback had recorded three tackles and one pass defensed, contributing solidly in the early weeks of the season. Witherspoon’s return should help strengthen a Rams defense that has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency at times. His experience and ability to cover top receivers will be a welcomed addition, especially in a competitive NFC West.
The Rams Face Setbacks with McCreary Injury
While McVay received good news about Atwell and Witherspoon, the Rams also suffered a setback when cornerback Roger McCreary was placed on IR following a groin injury sustained in Sunday night’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCreary had been performing admirably in the Rams’ secondary and was a key piece to the defensive rotation. His absence will be felt as the Rams attempt to shore up their pass defense down the stretch.
The timing of McCreary’s injury is particularly frustrating given that the Rams’ defensive backfield will now need to find a way to compensate for his loss while reintegrating Witherspoon into the fold. Fortunately, the return of Witherspoon should ease some of the strain and provide some stability in the secondary.
Rams’ Playoff Hopes Depend on Health
At 6-5, the Rams find themselves in a tightly contested NFC playoff race. With a stretch of important games ahead, every player’s availability is crucial for the team’s playoff aspirations. The return of Atwell and Witherspoon could be a game-changer for the Rams, particularly as they take on the Panthers this Sunday in a must-win game.
The offense will look to Atwell to provide the deep-ball threat that has been missing, while the defense will lean on Witherspoon to strengthen their coverage against the Panthers' receiving corps, which includes the ever-dangerous Adam Thielen.
With their 21-day practice windows now open, the next few days will be critical in determining whether Atwell and Witherspoon can get back to full health and make a meaningful impact on the field. If McVay’s predictions hold true, the Rams will be in much better shape to face their remaining opponents and make a push for the playoffs.
