Tag: Geno Smith

Geno Smith had the perfect meme to celebrate the Seahawks’ win over the Jets

Smith didn’t need words to roast his former team, just a perfect meme.

Geno Smith only thrived as an NFL quarterback after he escaped the swirling vortex of garbage known as the New York Jets. Smith went 12-18 as a starter after being New York’s second round pick in 2013. It was a tenure better known for the former West Virginia star getting his jaw broken by a teammate than any on-field success.

Smith was forced to take the long route back to relevancy, only thriving once he arrived in Seattle as Russell Wilson’s backup, then successor for the Seahawks. He’s been an above average starter in the years since, going 25-22 in three-plus seasons atop the team’s depth chart.

The 25th win on his resume came in Week 13 over the Jets. Like seeing the obituary for one of his biggest haters in the newspaper, Smith knew he had to show up.

That’s Smith, embracing the “RIPBOZO” meme on Twitter to tell the world he had to attend his hater’s funeral just to ensure he was dead. Seattle’s win Sunday ensured a ninth-straight losing season for the Jets — a streak that began, coincidentally, in Smith’s final season with the franchise. New York is once more on its way to the cemetery of playoff aspirations. Smith was there, dressed in black, to make sure it was true.

Seahawks escape from New York with a 26-21 win over the Jets

Seahawks escape from New York with a 26-21 win over the Jets

The Seattle Seahawks just escaped from New York in one of the most bizarre, sloppy, and confusing games we’ve seen in quite some time. But as I’ve always said, style points don’t matter in the NFL… only wins do.

The Seahawks are now 7-0 when playing at MetLife Stadium, which has become a home away from home.

It certainly was not easy for Seattle to get this win. The Jets may have been only a three-win team, but they put up a fight, especially in the first half. Thanks to special teams miscues by the Hawks, New York capitalized for 21 points. But the Seahawks defense clamped down after intermission and suffocated the life out of the Jets. New York only had four possessions, and they went as follows:

  • Punt
  • Fumble
  • Punt
  • Turnover on downs

Part of the limited opportunities for the Jets in the second half was the fact the Seahawks controlled the clock to close out the game. They had drives of 12, 10 and 9 plays. Their first drive of the second half ended in frustrating disaster. After eight tries at the goal line, Geno Smith’s sack on 4th and goal turned the ball over on downs and Seattle came away with nothing. Thankfully, the Hawks forced a fumble which was recovered by rookie Tyrice Knight.

Smith then marched the team 39 yards to connect with another successful Jason Myers field goal to cut the lead 21-19.

However, the true miracles took place on the next possession. Trailing by two points, it was happy hour at the Last Chance Saloon for Seattle. It likely should have been lights out for the Seahawks, but the Jets continued to give Seattle more and more opportunities. New York was flagged four times on the Seahawks’ game winning drive – three of which were on 4th downs where Gang Green actually had Seattle stopped. The Jets were flagged 12 total times – 10 of which were in the second half alone.

The Hawks took advantage of those continued opportunities and capped it off with a go-ahead touchdown run by Zach Charbonnet. After Aaron Rodgers’ pass on 4th-and-15 fell incomplete, Seattle officially completed the comeback and Geno Smith earned his 11th game-winning drive since the start of 2022.

Aaron Rodgers was held in check, completing 21-of-39 passes for only 185 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Meanwhile his counterpart on the other sideline, Geno Smith, was his usual efficient self, completing 64% of his passes for 206 yards and a touchdown.

The Seahawks are now 7-5 and extended their lead in the NFC West thanks to Arizona losing to Minnesota 23-22 earlier in the afternoon. Seattle will once again take on the Cardinals next week, but will do so in the Valley of the Sun.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

First half highlights and analysis: Seahawks trail Jets 21-16

First half highlights and analysis: Seahawks trail Jets 21-16

The Seattle Seahawks have literally never played in a normal game, and this adage continues into Week 13 against the New York Jets. It has been a bizarre, sloppy, and explosive affair between these two teams. What started to look like another defensive battle quickly devolved.

New York found the end zone first, but Leonard Williams blocked the PAT. Little would we know, it was only the start of horrendous special teams play.

On the ensuing kick off, Seattle’s return man Dee Williams fumbled the ball. Williams has been a liability in the return game all season long, and it reared its ugly head once more, as his muffed return was recovered by New York at Seattle’s 27-yard line. The Jets quickly found the end zone for the second time today four plays later to extend their lead to 14-0 thanks to a successful two-point conversion.

The Seahawks were finally able to answer, as they engineered a 10-play, 83 yard touchdown drive. Seattle was backed up further than they should, as Laviska Shenault fumbled the kick off, but was able to recover it. Geno Smith found rookie AJ Barner for the touchdown.

Well, Seattle’s momentum was quickly robbed as Jets running back Kene Nwangwu returned the ball 99-yards for a touchdown to go up 21-7. Unfortunately, the special teams disasterclass would continue…. as after the touchdown, Laviska Shenault fumbled again. Only this time, New York would recover at Seattle’s 38-yard line.

Just to quickly recap, here is what the Seahawks special teams situation has been in the first half alone.

However, I wonder if the Jets social media admin might regret tweeting out “Football is fun!” because six plays later, quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ pass was picked off by defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who promptly returned the ball 91-yards.

The Seahawks’ special teams woes continued, as the PAT attempt was blocked, keeping the score 21-13. However, Jason Myers did have redemption as he nailed a 54-yard field goal to cut the lead to 21-16, which is where it lasted into halftime. Myers’ field goal was his seventh from 50+ yards in a single season, breaking his own Seahawks franchise record he set last year.

New York will get the ball to start the second half. Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for more live updates, analysis and highlights!

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Jets in Week 13

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Jets in Week 13

The Seattle Seahawks will face the New York Jets in Sunday’s Week 13 contest. Starting quarterback Geno Smith will return to MetLife Stadium for the first time since his messy breakup with the franchise that drafted him. We’ve conjured up three bold predictions for Seattle’s offense on Sunday.

Geno Smith throws 3 TD passes

Smith downplayed any revenge-game discussions earlier this week, but the ex-Jet is undeniably motivated to show-up the franchise that gave up on his development. Smith has enjoyed just one three-TD performance this season. It was accompanied by three interceptions in an overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Look for the former West Virginia standout to play a cleaner game while throwing three scores.

Zach Charbonnet catches a TD

Look for No. 2 running back Zach Charbonnet to be on the receiving end of a Smith touchdown pass. The backup to Kenneth Walker III has scored five touchdowns this season, second-best among all Seahawks skill players. Charbonnet has been extremely useful to Ryan Grubb’s offense this campaign.

DK Metcalf surpasses 100 receiving yards

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been Seattle’s most productive receiver in recent weeks. That makes typical go-to wideout DK Metcalf a candidate for a late-season breakout performance. Metcalf hasn’t topped 100 receiving yards in a single contest since a late-September loss to the Detroit Lions. Look for that drought to end versus a disappointing Jets defense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks QB Geno Smith doesn’t see Jets game as revenge opportunity

Seahawks QB Geno Smith doesn’t see Jets game as revenge opportunity

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will face his old team, the New York Jets in Sunday’s Week 13 contest, but he isn’t thinking about the past. The Jets originally selected Smith with the No. 39 overall selection in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

A potential first-round hopeful, Smith slid in the draft and began his tenure hoping to be the Jets’ long-searching answer at franchise quarterback. Smith ultimately played out his four-year rookie contract in East Rutherford, but it never went according to plan. As a rookie, he threw 21 interceptions and 12 touchdowns, and as a sophomore, he had 13:13 TD:INT ratio.

Smith was eventually benched as a third-year quarterback in 2015, and he suffered a season-ending torn ACL as Ryan Fitzpatrick’s backup in 2016. Smith would spend 2017 as the backup quarterback in New York with the Giants, and again in 2018 with the Los Angeles Chargers. He joined the Seahawks in 2019 and the rest is history.

Sunday’s Seahawks-Jets contest will be the first time Smith has faced the Jets at MetLife Stadium. His lone previous meeting versus the franchise that drafted him occurred two campaigns ago in Seattle. But Smith shot down the notion that it’s any sort of revenge game.

“As far as the revenge thing, that’s not on my mind,” Smith told reporters on Wednesday.

Ironically enough, the Jets haven’t enjoyed a winning season since Smith left. They’ve spent a ton of draft and trade capital on quarterbacks since, including drafting Zach Wilson and Sam Darnold with No. 3 overall picks, and traded for Aaron Rodgers last season. All to no avail.

Meanwhile Smith has revived his career in Seattle, leading the Seahawks to multiple contending seasons. Seattle currently sits atop the NFC West, and the Jets are 3-8. Smith has already captured revenge on a franchise that wronged him.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks beat the Cardinals, win 16-6 and move into 1st place

Seahawks beat the Cardinals, win 16-6 and move into 1st place

The Seattle Seahawks have officially reclaimed first place in the NFC West, at least temporarily, thanks to their 16-6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Sunday marked the first win at Lumen Field for the Seahawks since Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins… which was on September 22nd.

Seattle extends their winning streak against Arizona to now six-consecutive games, including the last three at Lumen Field. Speaking of which, including Sunday’s game, it was another example of a low scoring defensive slugfest between these teams in the Emerald City. The last three home games against the Cards have gone as such…

  • 2024: Seahawks win 16-6
  • 2023: Seahawks win 20-10
  • 2022: Seahawks win 19-9

Something about these teams playing in Seattle forces them both down into the mud, scrapping for points at any cost. It was more of the same in Week 12, as points were truly difficult to come by.

After a first half of 7-3 football, the Seahawks managed to blow the lead open with Coby Bryant’s 69-yard pick-6 to make it a 13-3 lead. While Jason Myers did miss the PAT (thanks to Devon Witherspoon’s personal foul penalty backing him up) the 10-point lead proved to be insurmountable.

Arizona did manage to make it a one-score game again with a field goal, after being stalled in the red zone. It was a drive started by a Geno Smith interception (his 12th of the year) in the end zone. But Seattle responded accordingly, as Smith found redemption leading a 13-play, 59 yard drive capped off by a 50-yard field goal by Jason Myers. It officially put the game out of reach.

The Cardinals last gasp ended as a field goal attempt with 15 seconds sailed wide left, and the Hawks kneeled it out.

Now, Seattle moves into first place. If they want to remain as such, they will hopefully get a little help from the Philadelphia Eagles, who are playing the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football shortly. If the Eagles win, and the Rams fall below .500 again, Seattle’s status on top will be cemented.

Well, at least for a week.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]