Did Sam Howell clinch Seahawks’ backup QB spot in preseason Week 1?

Did Sam Howell clinch Seahawks’ backup QB spot in preseason Week 1?

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith did not play in Saturday’s preseason Week 1 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Mike Macdonald and the coaching staff made the right decision, taking a cautious approach since Smith had just recently returned to practice from minor knee/hip injuries. Backup quarterback Sam Howell earned the start in his place.

Howell was effective and took advantage of his opportunity to play alongside the first-team offense. He concluded the first half by completing 10-of-20 attempts with 60 passing yards and a touchdown. The statistics don’t tell the complete story. Three of Howell’s incompletions were throwaways.

Howell protected the ball and made quality decisions, which will encourage Seattle’s coaching staff, given he threw an NFL-high 21 interceptions as a member of the Washington Commanders last season. The Seahawks nursed a 14-3 lead at the half. Howell benefited from a dominant defense that allowed just 71 total yards on 25 plays.

Howell’s touchdown pass was a 13-yard score to tight end Brady Russell that opened the scoring in the second quarter. The dual-threat quarterback also used his legs well, scrambling for 17 yards via four rushing attempts.

It was a large-scale showcase for Howell, who was acquired from the Commanders in March in exchange for two 2024 NFL Draft picks. Howell played the majority of the contest, finishing with a 16-of-27 statline with 130 yards and one touchdown. He was then replaced by No. 3 quarterback PJ Walker, who completed 4-of-10 attempts for 61 yards.

The Seahawks are holding an open competition at backup quarterback. Howell has been the favorite ever since John Schneider traded for him, but it’s a little early to say the job is definitely his, given how well Walker has played throughout training camp. Howell maximized his opportunity on Saturday, showcasing he’s developing into a smarter quarterback.

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Not playing Geno Smith in preseason Week 1 is correct decision

Not playing Geno Smith in preseason Week 1 is correct decision

The Seattle Seahawks play their first preseason contest of the new season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. First-year head coach Mike Macdonald met with the media following Thursday’s practice and offered some key updates. Macdonald confirmed that “most” defensive starters will play a little, whereas some of the offensive starters won’t suit up. That includes Geno Smith, who won’t play.

Sitting Smith is the correct decision.

“I think defensively, you’ll see a good amount of starters out there to start the game and we’ll see how long that lasts,” Macdonald said. “Offensively, as of right now, I don’t believe Geno’s [Smith] going to go, and a couple of other [offensive] starters aren’t going to go as well,” Macdonald concluded.

Smith recently returned to practice after missing four sessions with a minor hip/knee issue. Smith underwent imaging for the ailment. Testing results revealed nothing serious, and he has been a physical participant in Seattle’s latest practices. The timing makes skipping this weekend’s preseason game the appropriate decision.

Smith’s absence means Sam Howell should receive the start. General manager John Schneider acquired the third-year signal caller along with 2024 fourth-and-sixth-round picks from the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason in exchange for 2024 third-and-fifth-round selections. Howell started 17 games for the Commanders last season, throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.

PJ Walker is the other quarterback on the roster and should see extensive action as well. Walker, a nine-year pro, is attempting to convince the Seahawks to keep three quarterbacks on the active 53 man roster. He’ll receive opportunities to impress throughout the preseason. He faces an uphill battle considering the Seahawks traded for Howell, and given that Schneider kept just two QBs on the roster last year.

Geno Smith misses third-straight Seahawks practice

Geno Smith misses third-straight Seahawks practice

For the third time this week, the Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback has missed practice. Geno Smith has been dealing with nagging knee and hip injuries, which caused him to not only miss practice, but generated enough concern to warrant MRI tests.

Fortunately, the MRI did produce positive results for Smith and the Seahawks, as he is not expected to miss much time. However, it is notable he is still absent from practice.

It appears Seattle and Smith are being cautious, which is commendable. There is no reason to risk further injury when you have already received a favorable report.

As I wrote earlier today, the NFL is a next man up league. Sam Howell taking the bulk of first team snaps is to be expected, of course. This is a prime opportunity for him to gain valuable experience with the starters, especially a chance to develop further chemistry with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

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Message to Seahawks backup QB Sam Howell: stay ready

Message to Seahawks backup QB Sam Howell: stay ready

It is only August 2nd and the Seattle Seahawks are already breathing a collective sigh of relief on the injury front. Starting quarterback Geno Smith missed the last two practices due to nagging knee and hip injuries. This was a rather unfortunate time for him, as he was reportedly on fire during practice to start camp.

Fortunately, the good news is it appears he will be fine. The MRI test results did not find anything significant, and that he should not miss any time.

Phew!

Smith is objectively the best quarterback the Seahawks have at their disposal. His availability changes everything on how we view this team and their success for 2024. Keeping him on the field will give Seattle their best opportunity to return to the postseason.

But this injury scare gave me one thought above all else: Backup quarterback Sam Howell better stay ready. The Seahawks clearly see something in Howell, otherwise they would not have traded for him – and outbid the rival Los Angeles Rams to do so.

Howell is brimming with potential. Yes, his 21 interceptions last season with the abysmal Washington Commanders is a major concern. But Howell had more than enough flashes to show he potentially has something worth developing. With Smith out the last two practices, and who knows how many more, Howell is gaining valuable reps with the first team offense. Howell needs to make the most of this opportunity, because despite how durable Geno Smith has been, injuries could strike at any point.

Smith missed two games last year due to injuries after not missing a single one in 2022. Smith may not have the mileage on his body other quarterbacks his age do thanks to all the years spent as a backup, but he is still 33 and will be 34 this October. Him missing more time is clearly not out of the realm of possibilty.

The NFL is the ultimate “next man up” league. Plenty of careers have emerged as a result of taking over for injury or absense to a starter. Should this be the case for Sam Howell, I once again say…

…stay ready.

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MRI reveals good news for Seahawks QB Geno Smith

Seahawks QB Geno Smith to undergo imaging for injury

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith underwent imaging on Thursday evening after missing his second consecutive practice with nagging knee and hip injuries. On Friday morning, Adam Schefter reported that Smith received good news, and “shouldn’t miss any time.”

Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed after Thursday’s practice that Smith was scheduled to visit a doctor and undergo imaging to determine the severity. Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune was the first to report that it was a knee and/or hip issue that was preventing Smith from practicing.

“He’s working through a few things [injury] from the other day,” Macdonald said after practice. “He’ll get some imaging tonight [Thursday]. We’ll see. We’ll see what comes out of it,” Macdonald concluded, declining opportunities to go into further detail.

The Seahawks took the practice field without Smith on Thursday evening and he later joined the team on the field in casual clothing, according to multiple media members in attendance. Backup quarterback Sam Howell received first-team reps in Smith’s absence. Howell had an up-and-down practice, having thrown a pick-six touchdown to defensive back Tre Brown, per Michael-Shawn Dugar.

P.J. Walker is the only other quarterback on the Seahawks’ 90-man roster. Thankfully the update arrived quickly and Smith won’t miss any significant time. The Seahawks are scheduled to practice again on Friday. Smith could miss his third consecutive session, though we now know it’s nothing to worry about.

Thomas Davis: Expectations for Panthers ‘should be very high’

Good luck on trying to sell Panthers legend Thomas Davis on a slow rebuild.

Good luck trying to sell Thomas Davis on a slow rebuild for his Carolina Panthers.

The former linebacker, along with fellow franchise great Jonathan Stewart, recently joined NFL network national reporter Cameron Wolfe for a chat from training camp at Bank of America Stadium. Wolfe asked Davis about the expectations for the Panthers, who finished at a league-worst 2-15 this past season.

“I think the expectation level should be very high for this football team,” he replied. “And for me, in particular, I’m excited to see the quarterback play. [Dave] Canales was with Geno Smith in Seattle, watching him, watching the maturation process. Then he goes to Tampa as the offensive coordinator. Watching what he was able to do with Baker Mayfield—a guy who we had right here. Didn’t see those same kind of abilities, and Baker became a Pro Bowl-type by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and got the big contract.”

Canales previously served as the quarterbacks coach for the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, when Smith broke out for a career campaign of 4,282 passing yards and 30 touchdowns along with a league-leading 69.8-percent completion rate. He was then hired as the offensive coordinator in Tampa, where he guided Mayfield to his bests in completion percentage (64.3), passing yards (4,044) and passing scores (28).

So Davis believes Canales can certainly work his magic on Carolina’s second-year quarterback Bryce Young.

“And now, he has the opportunity to work with a young kid in Bryce Young,” he added. “Just seein’ the maturation process from Year 1 to Year 2 under Dave’s tutelage, that’s one of the things that I’m really excited about. Because we know that Bryce Young, being the No. 1 overall pick a year ago, we know that this kid is talented. But it’s all about surrounding him with the right core of people.”

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How to buy Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos NFL Week 1 tickets

Tickets are now available for the #Seahawks home opener against the #Broncos. Get yours before they’re gone:

The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks will kickoff their respective regular seasons with a Week 1 matchup on Sept. 8, 2024, at 4:05 p.m. at Lumen Field.

This opener features two teams from different conferences who could be looking toward a new future under center. That makes this a potentially highly anticipated game.

Even though the season does not begin until September, only limited tickets remain for this first game in Seattle.

SHOP: Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos tickets

In terms of the Broncos, quarterback Russell Wilson is gone. Their hopes now rest with first-round rookie Bo Nix.

On the flip side, the Seahawks do still have Geno Smith under center. However, former Washington Commanders starter Sam Howell is in Seattle, too. An interesting duo moving forward…

Will the Broncos or Seahawks take this cross-conference battle? Tickets for this contest start as low as $123.

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How to buy Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos NFL Week 1 tickets

Tickets are now available for the #Seahawks home opener against the #Broncos. Get yours before they’re gone:

The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks will kickoff their respective regular seasons with a Week 1 matchup on Sept. 8, 2024, at 4:05 p.m. at Lumen Field.

This opener features two teams from different conferences who could be looking toward a new future under center. That makes this a potentially highly anticipated game.

Even though the season does not begin until September, only limited tickets remain for this first game in Seattle.

SHOP: Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos tickets

In terms of the Broncos, quarterback Russell Wilson is gone. Their hopes now rest with first-round rookie Bo Nix.

On the flip side, the Seahawks do still have Geno Smith under center. However, former Washington Commanders starter Sam Howell is in Seattle, too. An interesting duo moving forward…

Will the Broncos or Seahawks take this cross-conference battle? Tickets for this contest start as low as $123.

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Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb on Geno Smith: “He’s a humble guy and wants to be coached”

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb on Geno Smith: “He’s a humble guy and wants to be coached”

For only the fourth time in the last 13 years, the Seattle Seahawks have a new offensive coordinator. Former Washington Huskies OC Ryan Grubb has made the jump from college to the NFL, and with him brings a certain level of excitement not felt for this position for quite some time.

Grubb’s offense was dynamic at Washington for the last two years, and now he has an opportunity to show what it can do at the professional level. Of course, he will need an effective quarterback to lead it, and it seems he might have one.

Grubb was effusive in his praise for starter Geno Smith, who in turn has been nothing but complimentary of Grubb’s system. Seattle’s offensive coordinator recently spoke about what he likes in Smith, and it is everything you’d want a coach to mention about your quarterback.

The emergence of Geno Smith as a viable NFL starter has been one of the more surprising and inspiring stories around the league for the last two years. Smith went from being a draft bust, to perpetual backup, to bonafide Pro Bowler. He is even making the case he is one of the better quarterbacks in Seahawks franchise history.

Grubb’s system is predicated on efficient quarterback play, where the signal caller is closer to a point guard, distributing the ball to other playmakers. This is how Michael Penix Jr. found success with the Huskies, and it is how Smith will likely fare as a quarterback of a similar mold.

In each of the two years Smith has been a starter for the Seahawks he has qualified for the Pro Bowl. Under Grubb, I would not be surprised if he was able to make it three years in a row.

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Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett with a remarkable TD at training camp

Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett with a remarkable TD at training camp

Oh man, does it feel great to have football back? The Seattle Seahawks are in the early stages of training camp and the practice highlight reels are already steadily releasing.

One of the more exciting ones was a touchdown from wide receiver Tyler Lockett. Stop me if you heard this one before: Lockett with an incredible reception in the endzone!

Lockett hauled in this pass from quarterback Geno Smith, and it appears the 31-year old still has it.

Last season was the first time since 2018 that Lockett did not eclipse 1,000 yards receiving. Still, his 79 receptions for 894 yards and five touchdowns is hardly anything to scoff at. It was certainly more than enough to push him into No. 2 all time in receptions and receiving yards in Seahawks franchise history, behind only the legendary Steve Largent.

Lockett recently signed a restructured extension, two-years worth up to $29.66 million. With that contract, we will likely see a few more remarkable touchdowns from Lockett as a Seahawk.

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