Pete Carroll Defends Geno Smith After Raiders' Victory Over Titans: "The Wisest Decision I've Made"
In a rare post-game statement that is sure to make waves across the NFL, Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, has broken his silence on the performance of Geno Smith, calling him "the wisest decision I've made" following the Raiders' commanding win over the Tennessee Titans. Carroll’s words, delivered with conviction and passion, have added a new layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding Smith’s career, placing a spotlight on both his resilience and potential as the centerpiece of the Raiders' future.
The victory over the Titans not only marked a significant milestone for the Raiders but also saw Geno Smith deliver yet another stellar performance, fueling the growing belief that his best years are still ahead of him. However, it was Carroll’s rare public acknowledgment of Smith that has truly captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. As one of the most respected figures in the NFL, Carroll’s endorsement of Smith as the "wisest decision" in his coaching career holds immense weight in the world of professional football.
“Geno Smith is the wisest decision I’ve made in my career,” Carroll said with emotion following the Raiders’ 28-14 win over the Titans. “People may have doubted him in the past, but I’ve always seen something in him. He’s a leader, a fighter, and most importantly, he’s a man of character. I have no doubt that his time to shine is now.”
Carroll went on to call for Raider Nation to show respect for Smith, emphasizing that the quarterback’s journey was only beginning. “Raiders Nation, it’s time to respect Geno for what he’s doing. You’ll see in time what he’s capable of, and I promise, he’ll prove all the doubters wrong. This is just the beginning.”
Smith’s trajectory has been one of perseverance. After being written off by many after his time with the New York Jets, the veteran quarterback has found new life with the Raiders, leading the team with poise and precision. The win against the Titans was a key moment in his ongoing redemption story, showcasing his ability to execute under pressure and guide his team to victory.
The timing of Carroll’s remarks is notable. With the Raiders eyeing a playoff run and Geno Smith continuing to defy expectations, the question of whether he can continue to perform at this high level remains central to the team’s future. Carroll, having worked closely with Smith during his tenure with the Seahawks, clearly believes in his former quarterback's abilities and has provided a strong endorsement that is likely to resonate within the Raiders’ locker room.
As for Geno Smith, his performance this season has already exceeded the expectations of many. With his calm demeanor and clutch plays, he has quickly become a key leader in the Raiders’ offense. With Pete Carroll’s endorsement, it seems that the respect for Smith within the NFL is only growing, and Raider Nation now has even more reason to rally behind their quarterback.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Geno Smith to see if he can live up to the high praise and continue to lead the Raiders to greater heights. But one thing is for certain: Pete Carroll’s faith in Smith speaks volumes, and it may just be the catalyst for a career-defining season.
Injury Update: Deebo Samuel a Game-Time Decision for Commanders vs. Chicago Bears

The Washington Commanders will help close out Week 6 of the 2025 NFL campaign on Monday Night Football when they take on the Chicago Bears. After pulling off a big win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5, the Commanders are feeling good about themselves right now, but injuries could change that feeling very quickly.
Washington has been hit hard by the injury bug early in the new season, and while it has quarterback Jayden Daniels back under center, he’s running out of guys to throw the ball to. Both Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown have been ruled out for this game, and hours before kickoff, they received a murky update on Deebo Samuel‘s injury status.
Deebo Samuel Labeled a Game-Time Decision for Commanders
Commanders Hoping to Grind Out Win Over Bears Amid Injury Woes

If Samuel can’t suit up, picking up a win could suddenly become much more difficult for the Commanders. That would leave an inexperienced trio of Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and Chris Moore as the team’s only wide receivers, with Zach Ertz also factoring into the mix at tight end. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is also questionable, which could present more issues for Washington.
The Bears aren’t necessarily the best team in the league, but they are coming off a bye week, which has allowed them to get a bit healthier for this game than the Commanders. Beyond that, they have also won their past two games, so they clearly have some positive momentum heading into this one. Washington will be closely monitoring Samuel’s status ahead of its 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, and his availability could play a huge role in determining who wins this game.