Tag: Geno Smith

First half highlights: Seahawks lead Dolphins 17-3

First half highlights: Seahawks lead Dolphins 17-3

The Seattle Seahawks have started the game red-hot against the Miami Dolphins. Seattle is seeking their first 3-0 start since 2020 and so far they are playing like they truly want it.

The Seahawks started the game off with a 56-yard field goal on their opening drive to take an early 3-0 lead. Miami attempted a 57-yarder themselves to respond, but the kick sailed wide left. Seattle managed to find the end zone on their ensuing possession, set up lovely by DK Metcalf’s remarkable reception on second down.

One play later, Charbonnet found paydirt for the second time in as many weeks.

Unfortunately, Seattle’s third drive of the game ended in near-disaster. Backed up in the shadow of the north end zone, Geno Smith was nearly sacked on 3rd-and-15. Instead, he tossed an ill-advised ball towards Charbonnet, which was far too high and landed in the waiting arms of Dolphins defensive back Kader Kohou.

Once more, the Seahawks defense was placed in a brutal spot on the field to defend. They were put in their own red zone twice in Week 1 against the Broncos, and they found themselves there again. Fortunately, Seattle’s defense did what they excel at this season and held Miami to only a field goal.

Geno Smith found instant redemption on his very next throw in the final five seconds of the first quarter.

Metcalf’s 71-yard touchdown was the third longest in his career, and the seventh time he’s had a 50+ yard score.

Seattle’s pass rush came to play in the first half, sacking Skylar Thompson four times, including the first sack of the season from Derick Hall. Boye Mafe also had his third sack of the season, his third in as many games. Last season, he set a franchise record for a sack in seven-straight games.

The second quarter did get a bit sloppier for Seattle. Their three drives before halftime resulted in a missed field goal, two punts and a bevy of penalties caused by the offensive line. However, thanks to the defense, their lead was never in jeopardy. The Seahawks forced Miami to punt the ball on three-straight drives in the second quarter, and then another devastating sack from Derick Hall to conclude the half.

The Dolphins will get the ball to start the second half.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for live updates, highlights and analysis during the game.

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Week 3 preview and prediction: Seattle Seahawks vs Miami Dolphins

Week 3 preview and prediction: Seattle Seahawks vs Miami Dolphins

The Seattle Seahawks will take on the Miami Dolphins this afternoon at Lumen Field for a Week 3 showdown. It is the third-straight AFC opponent for the Seahawks to start the season, and their second-straight from the AFC East division. The last time these teams met in the Emerald City was the Week 1 kickoff for the 2016 season.

The Seahawks have sole possession of first place in the NFC West, and a win today over the Dolphins will solidify their position. Head coach Mike Macdonald is already the first Seahawks head coach to begin his career with the franchise 2-0, and improving to 3-0 record will push him further into a category of his own. Seattle is going to have to earn it, just like their previous two games.

Miami may be without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was placed on Injured Reserve, but they should still be a formidable opponent. Their wide receivers are lethal beyond reason, and they’ve had 10 days to prepare for this game by virtue of having last played on Thursday Night Football. The Dolphins are well coached, and deep at some of the most important positions on the field.

That being said, the Seahawks may be one of the few teams with a secondary that can provide speedbumps to the ‘Phins. Yes, this will be the first legitimate test for this secondary, as the Broncos and Patriots certianly did not have a wide receiver room capable of punishing them. But this group is talented nonetheless, and should be up for the task. Not to mention Seattle’s pass rush has been making life miserable for quarterbacks this year. Miami’s Skylar Thompson is sure to be under fire, with even less time to find the likes of his elite receivers.

The real challenge will be if Seattle’s defense can stop the run and get off the field. Last week, the Patriots ran for 185 yards as a team. Miami will be without running back Raheem Mostert, but still have De’Von Achane who rushed for 96 yards.

Speaking of running backs, the Seahawks will be without their star in Kenneth Walker, who will be missing his 2nd-straight game. The lack of Walker in the mix makes Seattle’s offense a little more one dimensional, as Zach Charbonnet failed to show he could carry the load on his own. However, with how great quarterback Geno Smith has been playing, the Seahawks might be fine offensively.

Seattle’s wide receiver room is also one of the few position groups in the league that makes Miami’s advantage at wide receiver less dominant. DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba had their way with New England’s defensive backs last week. Although, Sunday will mark the return of Jalen Ramsey back to Seattle, who always battled Metcalf well. Hopefully, Metcalf can keep his cool when facing his former foe.

Ultimately, I predict another close game for the Seahawks. The lack of Walker is going to make their offense not as dynamic, but they should still have more than enough gas in the tank to outlast Thompson. I expect Macdonald’s defense to force the backup into a few mistakes to help be the difference in the game.

Prediction: Seahawks over Dolphins 24-20

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Seahawks suggested as possible destination for Panthers QB Bryce Young

Seahawks suggested as possible destination for Panthers QB Bryce Young

The NFL is the ultimate “what have you done for me lately?” league. When it comes to quarterback Bryce Young, it’s clear the Carolina Panthers aren’t thrilled with what he has done as of late. In the 2023 NFL Draft, Carolina made Bryce Young the No. 1 overall pick of the draft. Only 18 games later, Young is now on the bench, replaced by veteran journeyman Andy Dalton.

Not much has gone right for the Panthers in the last couple of seasons. We’ve just made it to Week 3, and once more they appear to be the worst team in the league by a considerable margin. Young, with a 2-16 record as a starter, has lost both of them this year. Through two games, Young is only completing 55% of his passes for 245 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions as Carolina looks entirely uncompetitive.

Apparently, two games is all first time head coach (and former Seahawks quarterback coach) Dave Canales has needed to see from his young signal caller. At the moment, the question becomes “what now?” for Young. Perhaps Young truly isn’t cut out for the league. Or perhaps the Panthers are such a dysfunctional organization where a second chance elsewhere is borderline deserved. For example, both Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield were on Carolina in 2022. Now, those two are flourishing with the Vikings and Buccaneers, respectively.

When it comes to potential new landing spots, ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggested the Miami Dolphins as his top option. Makes sense, considering the ‘Phins have no idea what the future will look like for Tua Tagovailoa. However, Graziano did say “don’t sleep on the Jets, Rams and Seahawks if Young were available.”

The future of the quarterback position in Seattle may not be as murky as Miami’s, but to say it’s settled for the longterm is not accurate. Yes, Geno Smith is playing lights out football, and has been during his tenure in Seattle. But he is soon to be 34, and will be entering the last year of his contract in 2025.

That being said, the Seahawks did trade for quarterback Sam Howell, who is already seen as a reclamation project. Still, Young was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft for a reason, and widely seen as one of the best prospects.

Whatever the future may hold, you can bet Seattle’s general manager John Schneider is at least looking into the possibility. As he’s said many times before, he’s in on every deal.

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3 Bold predictions for Seahawks QB Geno Smith vs. Dolphins

3 Bold predictions for Seahawks QB Geno Smith vs. Dolphins

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith is thriving under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Smith completed 33 passes for 327 yards and one touchdown in a Week 2 overtime victory over the New England Patriots. On Sunday, he’ll face a Miami Dolphins defense that’s fifth-best in passing yards per game, allowing just 139 weekly air yards.

We’ve compiled three bold predictions for Smith in Week 3.

Geno Smith doesn’t commit a turnover

Smith did an excellent job protecting the football against the Patriots after throwing an interception against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. The Tua Tagovailoa-less Dolphins will be attempting to force a turnover. They’ve been poor in that department so far, with zero interceptions and one fumble. Smith should play his second consecutive turnover-free game.

Geno Smith rushes for a touchdown

Smith rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown versus the Broncos, but was limited to eight yards and zero scores against New England. If Smith scampers for a touchdown on Sunday, he’ll already set a career-high in rushing scores for his Seahawks tenure with two.

Geno Smith throws for 250+ yards

Smith threw for 327 yards in Week 2, his sixth-highest single-game total since being named Seattle’s starting quarterback in 2022. His total versus the Broncos was a much more pedestrian 171. Look for Smith to continue his standout form by throwing for 250-or-more yards versus a hard-nosed Dolphins secondary.

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Seahawks WR DK Metcalf wants you to stop calling Geno Smith underrated

Seahawks WR DK Metcalf wants you to stop calling Geno Smith underrated

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith has been extremely productive since taking over the starting job from Russell Wilson in 2022. In his debut season as the unquestioned starter, Smith finished first in the league in completion percentage (69.8%), fourth in passing touchdowns (30), seventh in ESPN’s QBR (62.8), and eighth in passing yards (4,282). The Seahawks went 9-8 and qualified for the postseason.

Smith struggled with playing through injury in 2023. His numbers slightly regressed as a result, but he still owned a 20:9 TD:INT ratio and went 8-7 as a starter. The Seahawks parted ways with head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, replacing them with Mike Macdonald and Ryan Grubb.

And two contests through the 2024 campaign, Smith has recaptured his 2022 form. The former West Virginia standout has been near-flawless while leading the Seahawks to their seventh 2-0 record in the previous 25 seasons. And with that, superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf is tired of Smith being called “underrated,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

“You’ve all been calling him underrated for three years,” Metcalf said. “When’s it gonna stop?”

https://twitter.com/gbellseattle/status/1836488576667914625

Smith also ranks inside the top 10 of quarterback Expected Points Added (EPA) rankings and the Seahawks recently climbed nine spots into the top 10 of ESPN’s latest power rankings. Smith has been outstanding in Grubb’s new offense, one that allowed him to attempt 44 passes in a Week 2 victory over the New England Patriots. The Seahawks will bring that offense back home for a date with the Tua Tagovailoa-less Miami Dolphins at Lumen Field on Sunday.

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Colin Cowherd ranks the Seahawks at No. 8 on his NFL rankings

Colin Cowherd ranks the Seahawks at No. 8 on his NFL rankings

The Seattle Seahawks are flying high to start the season, as the only team in the NFC West with a 2-0 record. Their lone status in first place has fans in the Pacific Northwest feeling great, but it apparently has not impressed everyone. ESPN recently listed the Seahawks as “pretenders” when they went through all the 2-0 teams in the league.

However, one who is impressed is Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd. During the NFL season, Cowherd gives his weekly rankings of who he believes are the Top 10 teams in the league. He calls it his “Herd Hierarchy.” Making the Hierarchy for the first time this season are Cowherd’s hometown team, the Seahawks.

Cowherd has Seattle ranked at No. 8, which is right above the San Francisco 49ers and just behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cowherd sang the praises of quarterback Geno Smith, the emergence of head coach Mike Macdonald, as well as Seattle’s top weapons in DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett.

Could it be possible Geno Smith is finally gaining some national recognition? His play through the first two weeks has been nothing short of stellar, as he is carrying this inconsistent Seahawks offense.

Seattle is 2-0 and have a great opportunity to improve to 3-0 this weekend against a Miami Dolphins team without their starting quarterback. Miami will still be a challenge to face, but if the Seahawks defense can shore up their ground defense and Smith stays hot, the team in the Emerald City might continue getting a little more national love.

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Seahawks’ Geno Smith is elite in QB Expected Points Added (EPA) rankings

Seahawks’ Geno Smith is elite in QB Expected Points Added (EPA) rankings

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith put forth one of the better performances of his career in Sunday’s 23-20 Week 2 overtime victory over the New England Patriots. Smith completed 33-of-44 passing attempts for 327 yards and one touchdown. He currently ranks fourth in completions and completion percentage, sixth in passing yards, and seventh in QB rating among all quarterbacks.

Those aren’t the only statistical categories that Smith has accumulated elite numbers in. The analytics-based categories also reflect well on Smith through two completed contests. Seattle’s signal caller currently ranks seventh in Expected Points Added (EPA), according to data collected by Football Insights.

https://twitter.com/fball_insights/status/1835897044600283397

It’s also worth noting one of the quarterbacks ahead of Smith is Malik Willis, who’s started just one contest. If you’re unfamiliar, EPA is a play-by-play evaluation that calculates how a team’s expected points scored were adjusted via particular sequences. Down and distance, field position, and other factors are taken into consideration. Positive plays help further the team’s EPA, and negative plays lessen total number. Using EPA can help us evaluate team and player performance.

Those are some elite quarterbacks Smith is rubbing shoulders with in EPA, including Buffalo’s Josh Allen. He’s also currently ranked ahead of Patrick Mahomes, CJ Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Lamar Jackson, to name a few, in EPA. Smith is playing high-level football for the 2-0 Seahawks right now and all of the data proves that.

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Watch: Video breaks down how much Geno Smith has carried the Seahawks offense

Watch: breakdown of how much Geno Smith has carried the Seahawks offense

The Seattle Seahawks have a quality signal caller leading their offense, and he does not get the proper respect he deserves. We are in Year 3 of the Geno Smith era in Seattle, and he routinely proves he is not just a capable quarterback, but a great one.

Seattle’s offense has been inconsistent at best through two weeks. Despite the Seahawks sitting in first place with a 2-0 record, Seattle has not been lighting it up. However, the one bright spot has been the play of Geno Smith.

Former Seahawks legend Richard Sherman retweeted a video breaking down how great Smith has been for these two weeks. The video is absolutely worth two minutes of every 12’s time:

What stands out to me is how Smith is thriving despite the horrendous rushing attack. In Week 2, the Seahawks had a whopping 46 yards on the ground. The pass blocking has been bad too. Yet Smith continues to deliver.

Seattle unquestionably needs to find a way to improve the offensive line. Smith has been playing well enough to deserve extra support up front.

The Seahawks recently created salary cap space thanks to restructuring wide receiver DK Metcalf’s contract. Perhaps they can put that to good use and make a splash trade at the deadline.

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Seattle Seahawks pass rate has been higher than expected

Seattle Seahawks pass rate has been higher than expected

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith was outstanding in Sunday’s 23-20 overtime Week 2 victory over the New England Patriots. Smith completed 33-of-44 passing attempts for 327 yards and one touchdown. With starting running back Kenneth Walker missing out through injury, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb went to a pass-happy approach.

The Seahawks attempted 44 passes compared to just 19 rushing attempts, and only 14 of those went to a running back (Zach Charbonnet). It’s not like Grubb’s offense was frequently playing from behind, either. Seattle never trailed by more than seven, and they tied the contest at seven apiece on the ensuing possession following New England’s opening touchdown in the first quarter.

NFL fantasy analyst Kevin Cole recently released a chart of “pass rate versus expectation” for all 32 offenses in the league through two completed weeks. The data takes down and distance, score differential, and other factors into account when making its calculations. The Seahawks have been the league’s second-highest team in pass rate versus expectation, at 64.9% and 6.4% above the expectation.

https://twitter.com/KevinCole___/status/1835704098718392414

Grubb has been outstanding as Mike Macdonald’s OC through two weeks. In a Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos, he showcased his ability to unlock a rushing attack in the second half that struggled throughout the opening two quarters. In Week 2, Grubb altered his approach to fit his available personnel, opting to place the game in Smith’s hands.

It’s refreshing to see the Seahawks playing aggressive football considering previous OC Shane Waldron was often so reserved. Macdonald gambled when he named Grubb, a first-time professional play caller, his offensive coordinator. That decision is paying dividends thus far.

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Geno Smith proves still capable of putting Seahawks on his back in Week 2 win

Geno Smith proves still capable of putting Seahawks on his back in Week 2 win

The Seattle Seahawks missed superstar running back Kenneth Walker in Sunday’s 23-20 Week 2 overtime win over the New England Patriots. Walker sat with an injury, thrusting Zach Charbonnet into the featured role. Charbonnet rushed for just 38 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries against a tough Patriots defensive front, averaging just 2.7 yards per attempt.

The Seahawks rushed for just 46 total yards of offense. The inefficiency from the ground game placed a ton of pressure on Geno Smith. Smith responded with arguably his best performance in a Seahawks uniform.

Smith completed 33-of-44 passing attempts for 327 yards and one touchdown. It was more completions than Smith had in any single game last season, and would’ve been his fourth-highest passing yards total of the 2023 campaign. To achieve that in Week 2 captures how comfortable Smith is in Ryan Grubb’s offense.

Smith had two receivers surpass 100 receiving yards (DK Metcalf, 129, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba 117). Metcalf dropped two passes, but Smith still targeted him 14 times. Smith-Njigba saw a game-high 16 targets. With Tyler Lockett playing through an injury, it was Seattle’s other two receivers that handled the volume.

https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1835388405548556751

And Smith’s passing chart proves he was targeting the entire field. Grubb’s playbook is wide-open to Smith, who played with confidence. Next Gen Stats displayed the following.

Once the Seahawks forced the game into overtime, the Patriots won the coin toss, giving them an opportunity to win the ballgame. But Mike Macdonald’s defense forced a 3-and-out, and Smith promptly led a game-winning drive following the punt. Smith continues to display franchise QB tendencies, and the Seahawks are fortunate to have him. After all, he is, quite literally, now one of the Top 5 quarterbacks in franchise history.

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