Tag: Geno Smith

Geno Smith explains Connor Williams’ surprising retirement

Geno Smith explains Connor Williams’ surprising retirement

Last week, the Seattle Seahawks and their fans were given quite a Friday afternoon shock. Shortly after announcing center Connor Williams was ruled out for the Week 11 game against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Mike Macdonald broke the news that Williams decided to officially retire.

Williams was signed in the offseason and had started all nine games up to that point. He was also playing well, but his play dropped off to a precipitous degree in Weeks 8 and 9 with uncharacteristic high snaps past quarterback Geno Smith.

Macdonald did not elaborate as to why Williams decided to hang up his cleats and call it a career, but we may have some new insight this week. Smith was recently on the Richard Sherman Podcast, and Sherm brought it up as a situation that caught him by surprise. Smith gave a thoughtful response to Sherm about his former teammate.

Given the glamor and glory associated with professional sports, especially the National Football League, it can be easy to forget the players we see on television aren’t demi-gods. Or comic book superheroes. Or video game characters. They are real people, with real issues, concerns, and interests. They are well compensated, but all the money in the world can’t always buy peace of mind or fix mental health concerns.

Whatever the situation may be for Connor Williams, we hope he is able to find said peace and weather whatever storm he is facing in his own life. Hopefully, the decision to walk away from football was the right one.

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Richard Sherman says the Seahawks should extend Geno Smith, and he’s right!

Richard Sherman says the Seahawks should extend Geno Smith, and he’s right!

The Seattle Seahawks have a quality quarterback in Geno Smith, and for some reason the fan base seems divided on him. There are those who recognize he has been consistently good since he became the starter. On the flip side, there are those who want to see the team find an upgrade (regardless of whether there is one available) despite the fact Smith has the most game-winning drives in the NFL since he became a starter.

This debate is only going to intensify in a few short months when the impending offseason eventually arrives. Smith is currently in the second year of a three-year deal he signed prior to the 2023 season. His contract was restructured last February, and as a result he has no more guaranteed money left for his final year. Smith has already approached the team for an extension, and will surely do so again at some point this offseason.

Among those who are unsure of what the team should do, there is one who most assuredly is not: former Seahawks legend Richard Sherman.

Sherman recently had Smith on his podcast, and Sherm made his position crystal clear as to what the Seahawks should do with their quarterback. Five words: pay the man his money!

Sherm brings up a great point about the 2025 NFL draft and Seattle’s possible positioning. The Seahawks are simply winning far too many games, even at this point, to be one of the teams near the top of the draft. Smith’s strong play has ensured that, and will continue to do so for the rest of the 2024 campaign. Additionally, next year’s quarterback draft class does not appear to be as robust as the one we saw this past spring.

If the Seahawks aren’t able to get a quarterback in the draft they absolutely love, then the other options are free agency or trade. Well, they already tried the “let’s trade for a quarterback” route with Sam Howell last year. As familiar with the system as Smith is, if Howell had blown coaches minds in training camp/the preseason I have to believe he would have been starting by now. As for free agency, teams typically don’t let Pro Bowl caliber quarterbacks test the market.

Seattle is obviously going to have to be focused on finding a quarterback for the future given the fact Smith is 34 years old. It is basic NFL age math. But they also need a quarterback for the right now as well. A quarterback who shows up in the biggest moments, has great arm talent, and is a clear leader.

An extension does not mean a team is married to a player forever. For a player like Smith, it just ensures there is stability and continuity at the most important position in all of sports. It would also allow them to focus continuing to rebuild their offensive line in the draft.

At this point, I am in full agreement with Richard Sherman.

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Geno Smith was motivated by seeing Seahawks legend on 49ers sideline

Geno Smith was motivated by seeing Seahawks legend on 49ers sideline

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith was outstanding in Sunday’s Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Smith completed 25 of 32 passing attempts for 221 yards. More importantly, he rushed for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter with mere seconds remaining in a then-tie game.

Smith recently joined the Richard Sherman Podcast to discuss his performance. Smith told Sherman that he was especially motivated to end his winless streak versus the 49ers when he looked towards their sideline and noticed ex-Seahawk linebacker KJ Wright. Wright is a defensive quality control coach on Kyle Shanahan’s staff.

“I was actually just smiling as I was running on the field for that last [game-winning] drive,” Smith told Seahawks legend Richard Sherman in response to a question about his performance. “I knew we were going to win. Sometime in the third quarter, I looked over at their bench and saw KJ [Wright] standing there. I was like what the…? We have to beat these guys. When I saw KJ, it just kind of pissed me off. He’s a Seahawk. He shouldn’t have those [49ers] colors on.”

Wright was drafted by the Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He enjoyed an illustrious 10-year career (2011-20) in Seattle, winning Super Bowl XLVIII for the franchise. Wright was also named to the 2016 Pro Bowl. He ranks second in franchise history in tackles with 593 takedowns, trailing just Bobby Wagner (915).

Smith is correct. It hurts seeing Wright sporting 49ers colors. Smith found appropriate motivation and spearheaded Seattle to a massive NFC West victory over their arch rival 49ers.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith entered Sunday’s contest versus his NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers with some demons to exercise. Smith owned an 0-5 record in his career against the 49ers, postseason included. Leading up to Sunday’s showdown, the veteran signal caller admitted that it was personal.

Sunday’s game was a back-and-forth affair. The 49ers owned a 7-6 lead at halftime. After kicker Jake Moody extended that advantage to 10-6 in the third quarter, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III scored a one-yard rushing touchdown to give Seattle a 13-10 lead.

Hope was momentarily lost when 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings restored San Francisco’s lead through a three-yard touchdown that featured one helluva individual effort. Seattle’s next drive ended when backup ball carrier Zach Charbonnet was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 rushing attempt at San Francisco’s 37 yard line. Luckily for Smith and the offense, Mike Macdonald’s defense came up with a quick and critical stop, limiting the ensuing possession to five plays and a swift 49ers punt.

Smith took over possession with 2:38 remaining. He oversaw an 11 play drive that gained 83 yards, culminating with a walk off 13-yard touchdown scramble. Smith converted two third-down attempts on the outstanding drive, completing a pair of passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the clutch. The game-winning score arrived with 18 seconds remaining, leaving the 49ers with just 12 seconds.

All in all, Smith threw for 54 yards and rushed for 29 more to complete his 10th game-winning drive as Seattle’s starting quarterback. It was a season-saving victory for the Seahawks, who improved to 5-5. The Seahawks are in a three-way tie with the Los Angeles Rams and 49ers for second place in the ever-competitive NFC West.

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Seahawks save their season, upset the 49ers 20-17

Seahawks save their season, upset the 49ers 20-17

In honor of the new Wicked movie coming out, let me be the first among the 12th Man to take after the Munchkins and declare “ding dong the witch is dead!” Of course, this is in regards to the Seattle Seahawks finally snapping their six-game losing streak to the San Francisco 49ers. On Sunday, the Seahawks claimed their first win over the Niners since December 5th of the 2021 season with a triumphant 20-17 victory.

It has been an incredibly frustrating two and a half years for Seattle in this rivalry, as San Francisco has had their number for far too long as of late. But in Week 11, the Seahawks finally struck back. This was not just a great moral victory, it may have actually saved Seattle’s season.

As of now, the Seahawks, 49ers and Rams are all tied in the NFC West with identical 5-5 records. The Rams won earlier on Sunday, improving to 5-5, which put extra pressure on Seattle to avoid falling to 4-6 and perhaps watching their playoff hopes fly too far out of reach.

The Seahawks were down only 7-6 at halftime, their most competitive first half against the Niners since the 2022 Wild Card game. Things seemed to be on the verge of spiraling out of control when Geno Smith threw his league-leading 11th interception on third down of Seattle’s opening drive of the third quarter. Thankfully, the Seahawks defense held the Niners to only a field goal.

Actually, Mike Macdonald’s defense was the story of the game for Seattle. Showing incredible improvement in the Rams game from Week 9, the Hawks carried it over in a massive way to Week 11. In the first meeting, the Niners had 358 yards of offense and scored 36 points. On Sunday, they were held to 277 and only 17 points. Actually, it is the first time since December 2018 that Seattle kept the 49ers under 20 points in any game.

The Seahawks’ defense gave their offense, which had struggled all day long, one final opportunity. Trailing 17-13, Geno Smith and Co. had their shot at redemption. Their shot to end this streak and rewrite the narrative on the season. It was a shot they took and landed, as Smith engineered an 11-play, 80 yard drive which was capped off by this 13-yard scramble to the end zone.

Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco are all technically tied, but due to the worst divisional record among the three, the Niners now currently occupy last place in the NFC West. Of course, with these teams all being so tight, anything can happen week to week. But the fact the Seahawks are in the mix and not climbing from the basement is nothing short of a monumental victory in the long run.

So sing loudly, 12’s. The witch is dead. At least, for now.

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Seahawks stun 49ers on Geno Smith run with 12 seconds left

Geno Smith with a huge run to win the game for Seattle at San Francisco

The San Francisco 49ers were heading in the right direction heading into Sunday’s game with the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks were going in reverse, on a losing streak.

Go figure.

The Seahawks got a 13-yard run from Geno Smith with 12 seconds left to down the 49ers, 20-17.

In an NFC West that is defined by parity, both  teams are 5-5.

The Niners were expected to be significantly better. The Seahawks were a puzzle.

Smith solved the issues by piecing together an 11-play, 80-yard drive on the way to the game-winning score.

First half recap: 49ers lead the Seahawks 7-6

First half recap: 49ers lead the Seahawks 7-6

The Seattle Seahawks are in a crucial Week 11 rematch against the San Francisco 49ers, and so far, the Niners have a clear edge. In a rapid first half, San Francisco leads Seattle by a score of 7-6.

The Seahawks forced the Niners on a three-and-out to start the game, and eventually took an early lead on their opening drive.

While it did end with a sack on third down, as Nick Bosa beat Abe Lucas in his season debut, Jason Myers did nail a 52-yard attempt to give Seattle a 3-0 lead.

San Francisco responded immediately, as the Niners engineered a 12-play, 71-yard drive which ended with Brock Purdy scrambling ten yards into the end zone. Purdy has been sacked twice today, but remains frustratingly elusive. Still, two more sacks then the Seahawks were able to secure against him in their Week 6 loss.

Seattle had to punt on their next possession, but quickly got the ball back thanks to cornerback Devon Witherspoon and defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins – the first interception of the big man’s career.

Regrettably, the Seahawks were not able to take full advantage of the interception, as they were held to another field goal. But they did get points out of it, as Jason Myers connected from 57-yards out. Myers now has 22 successful field goals from 50+ yards as a Seahawk, which is the most in franchise history.

Following a sack of Purdy to knock the Niners out of field goal range, Seattle did get the ball back.

Once again, the Seahawks couldn’t take advantage of what their defense gave them, and they had to punt the ball away.

First half stats:

  • Total Yards: 49ers – 152, Seahawks – 104
    • Rushing: 49ers – 82, Seahawks – 29
    • Passing: Seahawks – 75, 49ers – 70
  • Total plays: 49ers 31 to Seahawks’ 24
  • First downs: 49ers 12 to Seahawks’ 7
  • Time of Possession – 49ers lead 18:32 to Seattle’s 11:28

Geno Smith has completed 11-of-14 passes for 91 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions, and has been sacked twice. Purdy has completed 11-of-15 for 83, no touchdowns, one interception, and has taken two sacks as well.

Seattle will get the ball to start the second half.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical matchup within the NFC West against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Week 11 date is the final scheduled meeting versus the 49ers this season after the Bay Area-based team beat the Seahawks 36-24 in Week 6. Starting quarterback Geno Smith is 0-5 in his career against the divisional rival. Smith is anxious to put those struggles behind him on Sunday.

“It’s very personal, man,” Smith responded when asked about defeating the 49ers on Sunday. “When you think about division opponents, these games matter the most. Especially with the 49ers. They’ve been on top of our division for a while. If we want to be the type of team we say we are, we’ve got to go through teams like this. I know I’m going to step on the field with that chip on my shoulder, that edge I always have,” Smith concluded.

The 4-5 Seahawks are at the bottom of the NFC West. The 5-4 49ers trail the surprising 6-4 Arizona Cardinals. Smith struggled in the first meeting versus the 49ers, completing 30 of 52 passing attempts for 312 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back Kenneth Walker III was limited to 32 rushing yards and DK Metcalf totaled just 48 receiving yards. Smith will be anxious to spearhead a far more successful offensive showing on Sunday.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith is still the NFL’s passing yards leader

Seahawks QB Geno Smith is still the NFL’s passing yards leader

The NFL is the ultimate “what have you done for me lately?” league, and unfortunately, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith had the worst possible timing for his worst game of the year. Throwing three interceptions – including one returned 103-yards for a touchdown – in a 26-20 overtime loss to the Rams is the last game on memory for the 12th Man and the rest of the league.

However, despite his poor showing (one where he actually openly apologized), he is still having a strong season. No, his touchdown and interception numbers are not looking great. Smith has 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions… and while I will argue not all have been his fault, as a quarterback you sign the check with every pass you throw.

Still, despite playing behind easily the worst offensive line in the league and dealing with an inconsistent rushing attack, Smith remains atop the NFL when it comes to passing yards. Smith has thrown for 2,560 yards this year. Right behind him is Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has 2,389 yards. With Smith on a bye week, he is likely to be overtaken in this category, at least temporarily.

While it is impressive, I do want to mention the inconsistent rushing attack once more. Seattle’s offense is not an air raid one. This is a team that wants to run the ball effectively… but has failed to do so. Smith’s passing yards have been less by design, and more by necessity. If the Seahawks want to turn their season around following their Bye Week, they must find a way to become less reliant on his arm and find some balance offensively.

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Could Miami QB Cam Ward be an option for the Seahawks in 2025?

Could Miami QB Cam Ward be an option for the Seahawks in 2025?

The Seattle Seahawks are sitting a 4-5 and in last place in the NFC West. Their most recent game, a 26-20 defeat in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams, was a particularly brutal showing for quarterback Geno Smith. Despite three touchdown passes and over 300 yards through the air, Smith tossed three interceptions… two of which were in the red zone and in the fourth quarter.

Smith’s abysmal play was fuel to the fire for a lot of 12’s out there who haven’t been convinced he should be Seattle’s long term option at the position. And while there are those who still have faith in No. 7, the reality of age and money will eventually set in. Next season, Smith will be 35 years old and on the last year of his three-year contract. Translation: no matter what, his time in Seattle will come to a conclusion sooner than later, and the Seahawks need to be focusing on finding a successor.

Enter: Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who was previously a Washington State Cougar. The Miami standout has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. Ward has thrown for 3,146 yards and 29 touchdowns against only six interceptions as his Hurricanes are 9-0. Needless to say, Ward looks to be one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft.

Which begs the question: should he be someone the Seahawks should target? Or, I guess a better one is this: is he even a realistic option for Seattle?

Anything can change between now and the draft, but at this point he is surely going to be among the top players selected. PFF even has him mocked at No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers. At four wins, the Seahawks could very well already be out of the running for the top pick in the draft, or even a top three or four selection. If they are, it would take a monumental haul for the right to even get to such a position to draft him.

Additionally, while Seattle is at 4-5, they are hardly out of it this year. They still have both games against the Arizona Cardinals, as well as rematches with the Rams and 49ers. They are far from out of it this year, and it is not in John Schneider’s nature to tank.

As fun as Cam Ward in a Seahawks uniform may be, at this point, it does not seem like it is a realistic outcome for Seattle.

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