Tag: Geno Smith

Seahawks lose 27-24 to the Vikings as playoff chances slip further away

Seahawks lose 27-24 to the Vikings as playoff chances slip further away

The Seattle Seahawks faced a critical showdown against the Minnesota Vikings to conclude their final regular season game at home, and what a fireworks show it was. Whenever these teams play each other in this venue, fans are almost always going to get their money’s worth of entertainment to say the least. Regrettably, the conclusion was not one the 12th Man wanted. The Vikings were favored by three going into this game, and that was the margin of victory.

Seattle got the ball to start the third quarter and took advantage of their opening drive with another successful Jason Myers field goal. Myers helped tie the game at 17-17. Minnesota immediately reclaimed the lead with a field goal drive of their own, however they had to settle for a field goal thanks to Jarran Reed tipping Sam Darnold’s pass on third down incomplete.

From there, the Seahawks and Vikings exchanged two consecutive punt drives each. Seattle finally managed to get something truly special going in the second half with an impressive 11-play, 83-yard scoring drive. The Seahawks overcame 15 penalty yards, and ended it with Geno Smith finding rookie tight end AJ Barner in the back of the end zone for a rather athletic touchdown. Seattle was finally up 24-20.

Sadly, the Seahawks lost the lead as quickly as they earned it. Sam Darnold drove the Vikings 60 yards in only four plays – aided by an unfortunately timed facemask penalty on Byron Murphy II, who had Darnold sacked. Darnold connected with Justin Jefferson for a 39-yard strike to take a 27-24 lead with 3:51 left in the game.

On their responding drive, Seattle made it all the way to to Minnesota’s 37-yard line before Geno Smith was sacked. Two plays later, the Seahawks were facing a daunting 4th-and-15 to come out of the two-minute warning. Seattle elected to attempt a 60-yard field goal, which was well short of success. Minnesota took over at the 50-yard line, with Seattle only able to stop the clock twice.

The Seahawks did manage to get a stop and get the ball back with 61 seconds left, but the comeback attempt was short lived. A false start penalty on Abe Lucas knocked Seattle back to the 12-yard line, and one play later, it was over on a Geno Smith desperation pass that was picked off.

A lump of coal has been delivered to Seattle’s playoff hopes.

The Seahawks will have little time to rest, as they are back on the road for a Thursday Night Football showdown in the Windy City against the Chicago Bears. Seattle’s chances of making the postseason went from slim to grim, as their destiny is no longer in their control. If they win their next two games, but the Rams win next week to ensure both teams finish with identical records, Los Angeles will still win the NFC West and block Seattle from making the playoffs.

The Seahawks will need to find a way to win in Chicago, and hope the Arizona Cardinals (who were eliminated from postseason contention) feel like playing spoilers and upset the Rams. Otherwise, everyone on the team will be watching the playoffs where they did last year: at home on their couches.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Vikings in Week 16

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Vikings in Week 16

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a difficult Week 16 matchup against a Minnesota Vikings defense that’s allowing a fourth-best 18.0 points per contest. Ryan Grubb’s offense is looking to bounce back despite the sizable challenge after scoring 13 points and totaling just 208 yards of offense in a blowout primetime defeat to the Green Bay Packers. We’ve compiled three “Bold Predictions” for Sunday’s regular-season home finale versus the Vikings.

Geno Smith plays a turnover-free game

Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw a costly interception into the end-zone versus the Packers. The veteran quarterback has now thrown 14 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions, but Seahawks fans should appreciate him more after watching Sam Howell play in relief. Smith should be healthy enough to play on Sunday, and he’ll be placing extra emphasis on protecting the football against an opportunistic Vikings defense.

Zach Charbonnet plays, thrives

Kenneth Walker III was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Meanwhile Zach Charbonnet was an unexpected addition to Wednesday’s injury report with an oblique issue. Friday afternoon’s practice and media session should deliver more clarity regarding Charbonnet’s game-day status. If Walker III has to carry the workload, expect the ex Michigan State standout to pick up where he left off as he prepares to return from a two-game absence.

Sataoa Laumea bounces back

Rookie right guard Sataoa Laumea really struggled versus the Packers. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing an unfathomable 10 pressures in pass protection and one sack. The sixth-round interior offensive lineman should bounce back. The Vikings aren’t as deep at defensive tackle as the Packers are.

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Seahawks Week 16 injury report: Ken Walker returns to practice

Seahawks Week 16 injury report: Ken Walker returns to practice

The Seattle Seahawks have received another bit of good injury news this week. On Wednesday, it was revealed quarterback Geno Smith was a full participant at practice. Smith injured his knee during the Week 15 loss to the Green Bay Packers, but it appears he is on track to start in Week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Potentially joining him in the backfield is running back Kenneth Walker III, who has missed the last two games with a calf injury. Walker was a non-participant on Wednesday’s practice, but returned for Thursday! While there is still a few days to go before we know for sure if Walker will make his return to play the Vikings, this is certainly an encouraging sign!

The full injury report from Thursday’s practice is below.

Did Not Participate:

  • TE Brady Russell – Foot
  • DE Leonard Williams – Foot/NIR-rest
  • LB Trevis Gipson – Ankle
  • T Abe Lucas – Knee/NIR-rest
  • NT Johnathan Hankins – Illness/NIR-rest

Limited Participation:

  • RB Zach Charbonnet – Oblique
  • C Olu Oluwatimi – Knee
  • CB Tre Brown – Hamstring
  • LB Ernest Jones IV – Knee

Full Participation:

  • RB Kenneth Walker III – Calf
  • WR DK Metcalf – Shoulder
  • G Laken Tomlinson – NIR-Rest
  • WR Tyler Lockett – NIR-Rest
  • NT Jarran Reed – NIR-Rest
  • TE AJ Barner – Shoulder
  • QB Geno Smith – Knee
  • S K’Von Wallace – Ankle

Seahawks injury report: Geno Smith full participant at practice

Seahawks injury report: Geno Smith full participant at practice

The Seattle Seahawks have released their first injury report of the week, and it appears the team dodged a hefty bullet. During Seattle’s blowout loss to the Packers, quarterback Geno Smith exited the game with a knee injury and did not return. However, Smith’s prognosis was optimistic and was expected to be a participant in Wednesday’s practice according to head coach Mike Macdonald.

The optimism was not misplaced, as Smith was a full participant at practice. Seattle did have a long list of those who did not participate, but their starting quarterback was mercifully not among them. Smith is on track to getting back onto the field for a critical Week 16 showdown against the 12-2 Minnesota Vikings.

Seattle’s full injury report for Wednesday’s practice is listed below.

  • Did Not Participate:
  • RB Zach Charbonnet – Oblique
  • TE Brady Russell – Foot
  • RB Kenneth Walker III – Calf
  • WR DK Metcalf – Shoulder
  • C Olu Oluwatimi – Knee
  • DE Leonard Williams – Foot/NIR-Rest
  • CB Tre Brown – Hamstring
  • G Laken Tomlinson – NIR-Rest
  • WR Tyler Lockett – NIR-Rest
  • NT Jarran Reed – NIR-Rest

Limited Participation:

  • TE Noah Fant – Knee
  • LB Ernest Jones IV – Knee
  • LB Trevis Gipson – Ankle

Full Participation:

  • T Abraham Lucas – Knee
  • TE AJ Barner – Shoulder
  • QB Geno Smith – Knee
  • S K’Von Wallace – Ankle

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Geno Smith will participate in Wednesday’s practice

Geno Smith will participate in Wednesday’s practice

Do you hear that? That was the collective sigh of relief from the 12th Man, and it can be heard around the entire Pacific Northwest, as head coach Mike Macdonald gave a positive update for his quarterback. Geno Smith will participate in Wednesday’s practice, and from the sounds of it, he will get plenty of action as well.

On Monday we reported Geno Smith was feeling optimistic he would be available for the Week 16 game against the Minnesota Vikings. With this news today, it appears Smith’s optimism was not misplaced.

Smith was forced out of the Week 15 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers midway through the third quarter after taking a late hit. Smith injured his knee, and was replaced by backup Sam Howell, who took the reigns from there to the end of the game. Howell was nothing short of atrocious, completing only 5-of-14 passes attempted for 24 yards, while taking four sacks and throwing an interception.

Seattle is essentially playing for their postseason lives at this point, and will be presumably heavy underdogs once more at home against Minnesota. The only chance the Seahawks have at an upset is if their starting quarterback is able to play.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith expected to play against Vikings despite injury

Despite leaving last week’s game against Green Bay with a knee injury, Seahawks QB Geno Smith should play Sunday against the Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings got a gift last Sunday when the Detroit Lions lost to the Buffalo Bills. That loss gave the Vikings control of their own destiny not only in the NFC North but in the NFC playoff picture at large. With that loss, all the Vikings have to do is win out and they’ll take home the division title and the number one seed in the NFC.

They held up their end of the bargain on Monday night with a convincing win over fellow division rivals the Chicago Bears. But the schedule for the Vikings gets much tougher from here on out, and it starts this Sunday with a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle has some concerns heading into the game, however. Namely, the health of their starting quarterback, Geno Smith.

Smith was injured near the end of their game last week against the Green Bay Packers — whom the Vikings will face in Week 16. Smith left the game with a knee injury and was replaced by backup Sam Howell, who struggled mightily with the Packers defense to close out their 30-13 loss.

According to Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald, all signs are positive for Smith heading into a pivotal matchup with the Vikings, and he should be able to practice all week and play on Sunday.

The Seahawks certainly have a better chance of things with Smith at the helm than Howell, but with the efficacy with which the Vikings’ defense gets after quarterbacks, having a hobbled one back there could prove to be insurmountable for the Seattle offense. That would put Minnesota one step closer to capping off possibly the most improbable season in franchise history.

Seahawks need QB Geno Smith to play through injury, if possible

Seahawks need QB Geno Smith to play through injury, if possible

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith exited Sunday’s devastating primetime defeat to the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury. Smith was 15-of-19 with 149 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception prior to his setback. He was replaced by Sam Howell, who dreadfully completed just five of 14 passes for 14 yards, was sacked four times, and threw an ugly interception.

There’s been optimism surrounding Smith’s injury since the team assessed the damage, confirming none of it is structural. Smith has already expressed optimism, through head coach Mike Macdonald, that he’ll be healthy enough to play versus the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. If his injury is truly minor, the Seahawks desperately need their starting QB to suit up.

The Seahawks have an incredibly difficult matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. The 12-2 Vikings are now tied for first place in the NFC North with the banged-up Detroit Lions and possess a legitimate opportunity to win the division and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Seahawks won’t have a realistic chance against the surging Vikings if Howell starts.

Smith is a hard-nosed, tough quarterback. If he’s medically cleared, there’s no doubt he’ll be campaigning to play versus the Vikings. With the postseason now at risk, the Seahawks need their starting QB now more than ever.

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Seahawks fighting for their playoff lives as Vikings look to win NFC North

Seahawks fighting for their playoff lives as Vikings look to win NFC North

The Seattle Seahawks suffered a costly defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. Seattle was knocked from both their perch atop the NFC West (as the Los Angeles Rams have now taken over due to their head-to-head victory earlier this year) and out of the NFC playoff picture entirely. The Seahawks’ postseason odds plummeted after the blowout loss in prime time.

Seattle’s path forward does not get any easier, as the now 12-2 Minnesota Vikings are coming to town this weekend. The Seahawks’ backs are against the wall and are desperate for a win, but unfortunately for them, the Vikings have plenty to play for as well.

Thanks to the Detroit Lions losing 48-42 to the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota now controls their own destiny for both winning the NFC North… and even earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Yes, that’s right. The Minnesota Vikings with Sam Darnold at quarterback could have a first round bye in the playoffs. Should the Vikes beat the Hawks on Sunday, as well as winning against the Packers in Week 17 (Minnesota won in Lambeau earlier this year) and defeat the Lions in Week 18, they will be the No. 1 seed. Even if the Philadelphia Eagles also finish 15-2, the Vikings still edge them out.

So yeah, the Seahawks won’t be catching any kind of “break” from an opponent who doesn’t necessarily “need” a win this weekend. Seattle will be getting the best Minnesota has to offer, because the Vikings know how difficult the next two weeks will also be for them.

The Seahawks better hope quarterback Geno Smith’s optimism for being able to play this weekend isn’t misplaced.

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Geno Smith “optimistic” he can play in Week 16 vs Vikings

Geno Smith “optimistic” he can play in Week 16 vs Vikings

The Seattle Seahawks suffered a catastrophic loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night in Week 15. Seattle fell 30-13 to Green Bay, and fell out of the playoff picture entirely. Part of what contributed to the Seahawks’ demise in prime time was the fact quarterback Geno Smith was knocked out of the game midway through the third quarter. Seattle was already trailing 20-3, so a comeback would have been a tall order, but it quickly became impossible with backup Sam Howell inserted into the game.

Howell was dreadful against the Packers. The Seahawks backup completed 5-of-14 passes for 24 yards, was sacked four times, and threw an ugly interception. To the fans who wished to see Howell in action, they got more than what they bargained for.

Of course, the natural thought immediately after the game was regarding Geno Smith’s health. On Monday, head coach Mike Macdonald explained he got a text message from his quarterback, and Smith was feeling “optimistic” he could play in Week 16 vs the Vikings.

It became readily evident on Sunday night Sam Howell is not the answer at quarterback. To say the Seahawks need Geno Smith back in the lineup is the understatement of the month. Seattle’s season is once again on the verge of spiraling out of control, and it won’t get any easier next week as they host the Vikings – who are still in hot pursuit of winning the NFC North.

We at Seahawks Wire will keep everyone updated regarding Smith’s health.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads league in INTs thrown into end zone

Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads league in INTs thrown into end zone

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith suffered an injury in Sunday’s primetime 30-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. He did not return and was replaced by backup Sam Howell. Before Smith exited, he made an error in judgment that has him leading the league in a not-so-great stat.

Trailing 17-3 in the second quarter, the Seahawks had strung together a quality 11-play drive that gained 53 yards and reached Green Bay’s 12-yard line. Facing a 3rd-and-9 in the red zone, Smith backpedaled in the pocket as he was under pressure from a fierce pass rush. Smith heaved a desperation ball towards Noah Fant in the end zone. It was intercepted by Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine.

It was Smith’s fourth interception of the season on a throw into the end zone, per ESPN Research. That ties Smith for the league-lead in that ill-advised category with Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston.

It marked a critical moment in the contest where the Seahawks could have pulled within one score of the Packers. Instead, possession went the other way. Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur’s offense would convert a field goal on the ensuing opportunity, extending their advantage to 20-3.

Smith has now thrown 14 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions this season. He’s been a starting-caliber quarterback for the Seahawks, but the untimely turnovers in the red zone are hurting Ryan Grubb’s offense. While awaiting an update on his health status, Smith needs to work on eliminating the backbreaking mistakes.

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