Tag: Geno Smith

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.

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

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.

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

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

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

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.

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

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on offense vs. Rams

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on offense vs. Rams

The Seattle Seahawks were defeated 26-20 by the Los Angeles Rams in overtime on Sunday. The offense gained 20 first downs and accumulated 424 total yards in a losing effort. Pro Football Focus had the following three Seahawks players as their highest-graded talents versus the Rams.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 92.5

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba enjoyed the best game of his young career on Sunday. The sophomore wideout produced seven receptions for 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including a late fourth-quarter score that sent the game to overtime. Smith-Njigba was PFF’s second-highest graded receiver of the week, trailing just Zay Flowers (94.5).

Geno Smith | 76.2

Starting quarterback Geno Smith endured a rollercoaster of a performance. The veteran signal caller completed 21-of-34 passing attempts for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. PFF ranked Smith highly despite him committing multiple turnovers. He was sacked seven times, and likely earned brownie points for performing behind a lackluster offensive line.

Charles Cross | 75.8

Speaking of that offensive line, franchise left tackle Charles Cross was the lone standout performer. Cross was credited with allowing just three pressures and zero sacks in pass protection. The former Mississippi State standout has been outstanding all season long. Seattle’s underwhelming offensive line requires more players of his caliber.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks QB Geno Smith discusses highs and lows from Week 9

Seahawks QB Geno Smith discusses highs and lows from Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks suffered an incredibly demoralizing defeat at the hands of their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. Seattle fell 26-20 in overtime to fall into last place in the NFC West.

The game was essentially a roller coaster. Seattle’s offense went from being stuck in the mud in the first half, to scoring 13 unanswered in the final minute of the second quarter, to being ineffective for most of the second half, then a heroic drive to tie the game late… only to blow it in overtime. Seattle’s defense was stellar for most of the game, until they surrendered 83 yards in only four plays in overtime to seal the loss.

Then there’s Geno Smith. Seattle’s quarterback threw for nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns, including one to tie the game late. But he also threw three interceptions, two of which were in the fourth quarter. Even Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He had 180 yards and two scores, but a blatant drop directly contributed to one of Smith’s interceptions.

Needless to say, there were plenty of highs and lows from Week 9. I asked Smith about what, if anything, was something positive to takeaway from the defeat headed into their next game in Week 11.

“Yeah, I think you just look at the way that we fight. We compete. We’re never going to back down.” Smith stated. “I don’t believe in moral victories at all. I think you either win or lose. Today we lost. The great thing about life is you get another day, you get another chance. We’ve got eight games. That’s all I’m focused on is the next eight games. I’m taking it one by one. I’m going to do my thing. I’m going to get better.”

As bleak as things look right now, the Seahawks still have a prime opportunity to still achieve their goals. At 4-5 and in last place, they have some climbing to do, but no one in the division is better than 5-4. Seattle still has both games against the Arizona Cardinals, as well as rematches with the Rams and 49ers. Obviously, these will be challenging. But not insurmountable.

The best thing the Seahawks can do is take the Bye Week seriously and focus on what they can do to clean things up. Otherwise, if their hole gets too deep, then their goals are going to start getting further out of reach.

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

Seahawks QB Geno Smith caught fire towards halftime vs. Rams

Seahawks QB Geno Smith caught fire towards halftime vs. Rams

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith endured an up-and-down performance in Sunday’s tough-to-swallow Week 9 loss to their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams. Smith completed 21 of 34 passing attempts for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. He was also sacked on seven occasions and was under constant duress behind an offensive line that couldn’t protect him. He was fortunate to avoid additional turnovers given the amount of pressure he routinely faced.

Following a scoreless first quarter, Sean McVay’s Rams took a 3-0 lead near the conclusion of the second period. That’s when Smith caught absolute fire for the Seahawks. Smith completed 6-of-9 attempts for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the final 3:31 of the opening half, locating Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba for late touchdowns.

Smith’s red-hot form awarded the Seahawks a 14-3 lead entering the break. Unfortunately, Smith, and the entire team really, crumbled during the second half. The Rams outscored Seattle 14-0 during the third quarter and began the fourth quarter on a 21-0 run by adding a defensive touchdown. Smith managed to find Smith-Njigba for his second touchdown to force overtime.

Smith and the Seahawks won the toss and embarked on a seven-play drive that stalled at the Rams’ 17-yard line. Head coach Mike Macdonald opted for a 4th-and-1 gamble instead of kicking the field goal, and the Rams defense held firm by stuffing Kenneth Walker at the line of scrimmage. Opposing quarterback Matthew Stafford quickly found DeMarcus Robinson for a game-winning 39 yard score.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks QB Geno Smith apologizes for performance vs Rams

Seahawks QB Geno Smith apologizes for performance vs Rams

Accountability is crucial in the National Football League. It’s a trait that’s essentially a prerequisite for quarterbacks to have in abundance. Such is the case for Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith, who had his worst performance as a starter in the Emerald City.

Smith threw three interceptions, two of which were in the red zone in the fourth quarter. One was even returned 103 yards for a go-ahead Rams touchdown. Opportunities for points were squandered, and Smith directly acknowledged his responsibility in the loss. During the postgame press conference, Smith opened his statement with an apology.

“First of all, I want to start off by apologizing to my teammates, really, and to the city, to the organization,” Smith humbly stated. “They put a lot of trust in me with my decision-making, and when they put the ball in my hands, when my teammates play the way they played today and to give us a shot to win the game, I’ve got to make sure we do. The things I did today, mistakes that I made, they affected us negatively and really cost us the game today. Me knowing myself, I know how much this is going to hurt. I’m going to step it up, though. That’s how I feel about it. I’m going to step it up.”

It says a lot about a man’s character when he is able to face the music head on and take accountability. There is no one who watched this game and came away with anything other than Smith’s poor play being the top observation. For him to come out and not hide from it speaks volumes to the kind of person Smith is.

Smith has played mostly exceptional football in Seattle. Hopefully, lessons will be learned from this game during the Seahawks’ upcoming bye week. He will face another stiff challenge on the other side in the form of the San Francisco 49ers.

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