The Case for Geno Smith Part 1
Seattle’s Week 9 loss to the Rams has reignited criticism against Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. Many fans, frustrated with the outcome, are eager to blame Smith, yet the evidence paints a different narrative. Here, I present the case for Geno Smith as a deserving NFL starter, supported by data and insights often overlooked.
Smith’s Passing Performance
Smith currently ranks at the top in several passing categories: he has completed 242 of 342 attempts, totaling 2,560 passing yards, putting him first in all three areas. His completion percentage is a respectable 68.1%, with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. While fans may focus on his mistakes, these numbers reveal that Smith has been handling a high workload. This is especially noteworthy when compared to quarterbacks with more support in the run game, like Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson, who both have fewer attempts and more balanced offenses.
Take Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, for instance. With Derrick Henry leading their dominant ground attack, the Ravens have seen Henry rush for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. In contrast, the Seahawks’ rushing attack has only managed 821 yards on 201 attempts—231 yards fewer than Henry alone, despite Seattle’s higher volume of attempts. This imbalance puts Smith in a position where he must shoulder more of the offensive load, increasing his exposure to both big plays and turnovers.
Examining Turnovers
In the overtime loss to the Rams, Smith recorded three interceptions and two fumbles, drawing heavy criticism. But a closer look reveals that these turnovers weren’t solely his fault. Here’s the breakdown:
Interception 1 was the result of Jaxon Smith-Njigba mishandling a well-thrown pass, letting it bounce off his body rather than securing it with his hands.
Interception 2 happened when a tight end collided with an offensive lineman and was forced off his route, disrupting the timing.
Interception 3 was caused by a defender hitting Smith’s arm mid-throw, which slowed the pass and led to the interception.
As for the two fumbles, only one was directly Smith’s responsibility, stemming from briefly taking his eye off the snap. The other fumble resulted from a poor snap—the second one in as many weeks—which underlines that these turnovers are not all on Smith.
A Balanced Offensive Strategy is Key
Smith’s high passing volume points to a larger issue with Seattle’s offense: a lack of balance. For Smith to excel, the Seahawks need a stronger ground game to relieve the pressure. A balanced approach like Baltimore’s would help minimize turnovers and sustain longer drives.
In Defense of Geno
Smith’s stats affirm his abilities as a passer, and the context of Seattle’s offensive play suggests that the blame for losses and turnovers cannot rest solely on him. He’s a skilled passer navigating a system that often lacks the support of a reliable run game and faces challenges on the offensive line.
Smith remains a productive quarterback under challenging circumstances. If Seattle wants to maximize its potential, they need to address these offensive imbalances and provide better protection.
In the next installment, we’ll delve into the Seahawks' O-line performance and explore additional factors affecting Smith’s play.
Comentários