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Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Geno Smith and Pete Carroll reunion in Vegas has the Raiders hoping for repeat success
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Raiders were stretching before practice Thursday when coach Pete Carroll wandered over to quarterback Geno Smith. As the two chatted for about a minute as Smith continued to go through his stretches, it was a clear reminder of the strong relationship the two built in Seattle — and what that could mean now that they are reunited in Las Vegas. 'I think Coach Carroll is extremely relatable,' Smith said. 'I think he understands that guys have got to be themselves in order to be their best selves. He's a fun person to be around. You see just how positive he always is, he's always got a bright smile, he's always laughing, joking around. It's not him above the team or anyone above the team. It's everyone together, collectively.' The Raiders hope the success the two had together with the Seahawks translates to their new home. Carroll took Seattle to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances — winning once with Russell Wilson at quarterback. Later, Carroll resurrected Smith's career by signing him in 2019 as the backup. Smith, a second-round pick in 2019 by the Jets, had lost his starting job with New York and spent one season each as a backup with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers. Smith took over as Seattle's starter in 2022 and led the league by completing 69.8% of his passes while throwing for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He was selected as the NFL's AP Comeback Player of the Year. The Seahawks posted winning records all three years with Smith as the starter, but his career there reached a crossroads after last season. The two parties failed to reach a contract agreement, leading to the March 7 trade in which the Raiders gave up a third-round draft pick. That means Smith is starting over again. 'There's not a lot of guys that would have shown that resiliency,' offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said. 'There's not a lot of guys that would have persevered through all of that. ... He's so relatable to everybody in this program because he's kind of lived that life. 'The fact that he has done it and come out and to be the way he is now is really a testament to him.' Smith said his up-and-down NFL career has helped him 'cherish it a little bit more.' The Raiders are putting their hopes and money — they signed Smith to a two-year, $75 million extension that takes it through the 2027 season — that he can help make the franchise at least competitive again. Three AFC West teams made the playoffs last season. The Raiders, who went 4-13, were the only ones taking early vacations, meaning hopes of ending a playoff victory drought that dates to the 2003 season would continue. Smith also has the burden of trying to win in a division with fellow quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix. But Smith also takes over an offense that includes tight end Brock Bowers, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and running back Ashton Jeanty. Bowers comes off a rookie season in which he was named an AP All-Pro after catching 112 passes for 1,194 yards. Meyers, who took over as the top receiver after Davante Adams was traded to the Jets, broke the 1,000-yard barrier for the first time. Jeanty was drafted sixth overall this year out of Boise State after finishing second in the Heisman Trophy balloting. 'Winning is something that we want to do right now,' Smith said. 'Just seeing the direction everything's going and how hard these guys are working and just how bad everyone wants to win, I'm fortunate to be a part of this thing. I just want to continue to build it, to continue for this thing to grow. The sky's the limit for this team, this organization. I can't wait to see how it all comes together.' At 34, Smith provides a veteran presence at sports' ultimate leadership position, and Kelly said he even has impacted how the coaches go about their business. 'He's just been emblematic of what a leader should be, by his habits and by the way he brings himself every day,' Carroll said. 'He's the first guy out here, he's the last guy to leave.' Meyers noted that time commitment as well. 'By having Geno, it kind of brings a sense of stability,' Meyers said. 'He knows what he's doing. He shows up the same every day, his personality stays the same every day. I haven't seen him have a bad day yet. So I can't have bad days if the leader has no bad days.' ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
French Open 2025: Naomi Osaka eliminated in first round after strong showing vs. Paula Badosa
Naomi Osaka had a tough road in the 2025 French Open. While she performed better than expected Monday, Osaka was eliminated in the first round after losing to No. 10 Paula Badosa. Despite being the underdog, Osaka got out to a strong start. She took Badosa to a seventh game, and actually won the first set 7-6. Osaka, who showed up in an all-pink outfit, managed to take the first set despite chipping a nail. She was spotted cutting her nails on the sideline between sets. Badosa rallied in the second set, however, easily winning 6-1. Advertisement That set up a third set. While Osaka hung in there early, Badosa got stronger as the match went on. She eventually picked up the victory, winning the set 6-4 and taking the match. Osaka entered the event as the No. 49 women's player. She's struggled at the French Open compared to other Grand Slams. Osaka has reached the third round at the event three times, but has never advanced beyond that. Osaka entered the event after a tough 2024, in which she failed to advance past the second round in any Grand Slam. She got off to a better start to open 2025, making it to the third round at the Australian Open. It was her best finish at the event since 2022. Advertisement After an injury-riddled 2023, Badosa returned to prominence in 2024. She made it to the fourth round at Wimbledon and reached the quarterfinals at the US Open. The performance earned her the WTA Comeback Player of the Year award. She followed that up with a strong start to 2025, making it to the semifinals at the 2025 Australian Open, her strongest showing at the event. Following the win, Badosa will look to keep up her strong start to 2025. She'll take on the winner of Elena-Gabriela Ruse and McCartney Kessler on Wednesday. Osaka will look for a better performance at Wimbledon. It hasn't been her strongest event, as Osaka has never advanced past the third round at Wimbledon.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys Fans Thrilled By Overshown Update on Thanksgiving Goal
DeMarvion Overshown plans to make a strong case to be named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2025 after suffering a devastating knee injury that ended his 2024 season. The fan-favorite Overshown tore the ACL, MCL, and PCL in his right knee and underwent surgery in December 2024 to repair the ligaments. Advertisement He has talked in general about being back at mid-season this year, but now fans are thrilled to hear of a more specific goal as he is targeting a potential return in November against the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. 'Oh yeah I'm active in this,' Overshown wrote in an Instagram post after Dallas' Thanksgiving Day game was announced. Across 13 games, Overshown recorded 90 tackles, five sacks, eight tackles for loss, one forced fumble, an interception, and a touchdown. His presence on the defensive side of the ball brings an added element of speed and violence that wreaks havoc against opposing offenses. If there's one thing we know about the personable University of Texas product Overshown, it's that the kid is resilient. Advertisement He suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a preseason game that caused him to miss his entire rookie season. Coming off that injury last season, he proved to everyone that he is one of the league's rising stars. ... and was hoping he might be a Comeback Award winner then. With renowned linebacker guru Matt Eberflus coordinating the defense, the Cowboys are hoping Overshown returns to the field better than ever. Overshown will join an exciting unit that features Micah Parsons, Osa Odighizuwa, and eventually Trevon Diggs, who is also recovering from knee surgery. Overshown, a native of Arp, Texas, is going back to his college number this season and will be wearing jersey No. 0. Earning the nickname 'Agent 0' at UT, he will look to showcase his elite level linebacker skills once again. ... Maybe in front of family and friends and fans on Thanksgiving. Related: Oddsmakers Hate the Dallas Cowboys in Game-By-Game Predictions Related: Kansas City at Cowboys on Thanksgiving Keys Mahomes Chiefs Schedule
