Seahawks QB Geno Smith must protect the football to contend

Coach Pete Carroll knows the key to a successful season for Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith is to protect the football.

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll knows exactly what starting quarterback Geno Smith must do to contend for a championship this season.

“He has to take care of the football,” Carroll said during his Thursday press conference. “We have to take care of the ball. We’

ve always been really good on not giving the football up and we’ve been really good. I’m glad that was the first thing that came out of my mouth because that’s what should’ve came out of my mouth. It’s all about the ball. It always has been.”

Monday will mark the Seahawks’ first opener in 10 years without quarterback Russell Wilson at the helm, although the key to a successful season really remains the same no matter who is under center . . . protect the ball.

“So, he has to take care of that first and then he’s got to get the ball to the guys,” Carroll continued. “He’s got to move it around and he has to make sure everybody’s a threat that’s a threat. He’s got amazing weapons now.”

Everyone will be put to the test Monday night when the Seahawks and Broncos square off on the national stage at 5:15 p.m. PT.

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