Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald gives thoughts on Geno Smith’s performance

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald gives thoughts on Geno Smith’s performance

The Seattle Seahawks dropped another tough game on Sunday, losing 27-24 to the Minnesota Vikings. The defeat was once again incredibly costly, as the Seahawks are on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs. Now, for the third year in a row, Seattle’s fate lies with getting help from other teams.

Of course, losing such a critical game like this, it is only natural to where to place blame. One such target, as he often is, is quarterback Geno Smith. In many ways, Sunday’s game was a microcosm for Smith’s 2024 season. Smith threw the ball 43 times, completed 72% of those attempts for 311 yards, tossed three touchdowns, but had two brutal interceptions – including one late to ice the game for Minnesota.

One could assign a fair amount of blame on DK Metcalf on the last pick as he ran a terrible route, but interceptions are a quarterback-exclusive stat. So what did his head coach think of his performance? After the game, Mike Macdonald gave a quick assessment of his starting quarterback, and offered some defense to him.

Geno is our top competitor on our football team,” Macdonald stated. “We’re not sitting here with life at the end of December unless Geno has done the things he’s done. He’s a fighter, man. I thought he played a good game.”

Macdonald is correct. Criticism of Geno Smith is entirely fair. It comes with the territory of being a starting quarterback in the National Football League, and Smith is no exception. I will even outright agree that his red zone interception problem is a considerable concern! While he did not end Sunday with any on the stat sheet, he did have one that was dropped by a Vikings defender.

What I will also say is Smith is a good quarterback, and a couple more interceptions from bad routes (a problem he’s had to deal with at other points in the year) isn’t going to change my assessment of him. If you want to argue the Seahawks should upgrade at quarterback at some point, I would agree. I am not going to stake my claim that this should be the situation at quarterback for years to come. What I am arguing is who is out there, that the Seahawks can reasonably get, that is a clear upgrade over Geno Smith?

Because it certainly is not an in-house option.

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Despite the loss, Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba reflects on his historic season

Despite the loss, Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba reflects on his historic season

Sunday evening was a brutal one for the Seattle Seahawks. The 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings have them on the verge of elimination for next weekend, and their fate is no longer in their own hands. Being unable to return to the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons would be a considerable disappointment, however, there are still aspects to the 2024 campaign that should give positive vibes moving forward.

On the top of such a list has to be wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who proved he can absolutely be a game-changing force for this offense. JSN truly emerged this year, and even found a way to make history despite the loss. With his 95 receiving yards against the Vikings, he officially eclipsed the 1,000+ yard mark. This makes him only the 10th player in Seahawks franchise history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.

I asked JSN about this incredible milestone, and he gave a thoughtful response.

“First off, I would like to thank God for feeling healthy, feeling good, being able to go out there and put that Seahawk helmet on,” JSN immediately stated. “It means a lot to me, and Geno too. I want to say thank you to Geno, and the rest of my teammates, receivers, getting me open, o-line doing their thing. Hopefully, it is just the beginning. 

Of course, no matter what kind of records JSN sets or milestones reached, nothing ever feels as good as winning. I’m sure the former Buckeye would trade a few extra yards for another win or two at this point in the year.

Seattle is still alive, but officially on life support. Should the Rams win this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals, the Seahawks will be all but eliminated.

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Seahawks lose 27-24 to the Vikings as playoff chances slip further away

Seahawks lose 27-24 to the Vikings as playoff chances slip further away

The Seattle Seahawks faced a critical showdown against the Minnesota Vikings to conclude their final regular season game at home, and what a fireworks show it was. Whenever these teams play each other in this venue, fans are almost always going to get their money’s worth of entertainment to say the least. Regrettably, the conclusion was not one the 12th Man wanted. The Vikings were favored by three going into this game, and that was the margin of victory.

Seattle got the ball to start the third quarter and took advantage of their opening drive with another successful Jason Myers field goal. Myers helped tie the game at 17-17. Minnesota immediately reclaimed the lead with a field goal drive of their own, however they had to settle for a field goal thanks to Jarran Reed tipping Sam Darnold’s pass on third down incomplete.

From there, the Seahawks and Vikings exchanged two consecutive punt drives each. Seattle finally managed to get something truly special going in the second half with an impressive 11-play, 83-yard scoring drive. The Seahawks overcame 15 penalty yards, and ended it with Geno Smith finding rookie tight end AJ Barner in the back of the end zone for a rather athletic touchdown. Seattle was finally up 24-20.

Sadly, the Seahawks lost the lead as quickly as they earned it. Sam Darnold drove the Vikings 60 yards in only four plays – aided by an unfortunately timed facemask penalty on Byron Murphy II, who had Darnold sacked. Darnold connected with Justin Jefferson for a 39-yard strike to take a 27-24 lead with 3:51 left in the game.

On their responding drive, Seattle made it all the way to to Minnesota’s 37-yard line before Geno Smith was sacked. Two plays later, the Seahawks were facing a daunting 4th-and-15 to come out of the two-minute warning. Seattle elected to attempt a 60-yard field goal, which was well short of success. Minnesota took over at the 50-yard line, with Seattle only able to stop the clock twice.

The Seahawks did manage to get a stop and get the ball back with 61 seconds left, but the comeback attempt was short lived. A false start penalty on Abe Lucas knocked Seattle back to the 12-yard line, and one play later, it was over on a Geno Smith desperation pass that was picked off.

A lump of coal has been delivered to Seattle’s playoff hopes.

The Seahawks will have little time to rest, as they are back on the road for a Thursday Night Football showdown in the Windy City against the Chicago Bears. Seattle’s chances of making the postseason went from slim to grim, as their destiny is no longer in their control. If they win their next two games, but the Rams win next week to ensure both teams finish with identical records, Los Angeles will still win the NFC West and block Seattle from making the playoffs.

The Seahawks will need to find a way to win in Chicago, and hope the Arizona Cardinals (who were eliminated from postseason contention) feel like playing spoilers and upset the Rams. Otherwise, everyone on the team will be watching the playoffs where they did last year: at home on their couches.

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First half recap: Seahawks trail Vikings 17-14

First half recap: Seahawks trail Vikings 17-14

The Seattle Seahawks are once again locked in a close battle for an incredibly important game.

Minnesota kicked things off with their opening drive, marching 70 yards in only 12 plays to take an early 7-0 lead. The Seahawks responded with a punt, but forced a Minnesota punt on the Vikes’ next possession. From there, Seattle got things rolling and managed to get on the board. Quarterback Geno Smith found DK Metcalf for a 25-yard touchdown strike, which set franchise history for Metcalf.

Both teams exchanged punts once more each, before the Vikings put together another long touchdown drive. Sam Darnold (another former Jets quarterback thriving elsewhere) connected with Justin Jefferson for the go-ahead score. This helped get Minnesota to a 14-7 lead.

Unfortunately, it did not take long for the Vikings to score more points. On the first play of the next Seahawks drive, Smith threw an ugly interception.

However, Minnesota actually lost total yardage on this sudden quick-change possession. Boye Mafe sacked Darnold for -12 yards, and they only managed to gain enough back to get in range for a 52-yard field goal. The Vikings did connect, and made it a 17-7 game.

Seattle had one final opportunity to get points before the half and they cashed in big time. Smith found instant redemption for his interception by leading an 88-yard drive in only five plays. His cerebral connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba was on full display multiple times.

The Seahawks will get the ball to start the second half. Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game!

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DK Metcalf makes Seahawks history with first half touchdown

DK Metcalf makes Seahawks history with first half touchdown

The Seattle Seahawks are fighting for their playoff lives in Week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings. Things did not start hot for Seattle, as Minnesota engineered a 12-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to open the game. The Seahawks did manage to respond two possessions later, as Geno Smith found wide receiver DK Metcalf in the corner of the south end zone.

The 25-yard touchdown strike was a thing of beauty. However, it did not just tie the game up at 7-7, it also helped make history for the Seahawks. With this score, Metcalf has now surpassed the legendary Steve Largent for most touchdown receptions in a player’s first six seasons with the franchise. To his name, Metcalf now has 47 receiving touchdowns.

The touchdown was Metcalf’s first since Seattle’s 34-14 win over the Atlanta Falcons all the way back in Week 7. Injuries and the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba have taken away some opportunities this year for Metcalf, but he easily reminded everyone why he is still one of the best receiving threats in this league.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game!

Sonics legend Lenny Wilkens to raise the 12th Man Flag

Sonics legend Lenny Wilkens to raise the 12th Man Flag

The Seattle Seahawks are moments away from kicking off against the Minnesota Vikings for their regular season home finale, and the team has quite a treat planned for those in attendance. The best pregame tradition in the NFL is the raising of the iconic 12th Man Flag in the south end zone, and to close things out, Seattle has brought out a special legend.

The honors for raising the 12th Man Flag fall upon SuperSonics legend Lenny Wilkens. One of the titans of professional basketball, Wilkens helped deliver the only NBA championship in city history when he led Seattle to the championship in the 1979 season. Wilkens was the coach of the Sonics from 1977-1985.

However, his legend isn’t just as a leader on the sidelines, but one on the court as well. Wilkens was also a player for Seattle from 1968-1972, and earned the All-Star Game MVP in 1971. His No. 19 jersey was retired by the Sonics, and when the day comes when the franchise is back in Seattle, it will hang from the rafters once more.

Kudos to Coach Wilkens, a perfect choice to end the regular season of football in Seattle.

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Seahawks vs Vikings inactives report: Latest updates for Week 16

All the latest updates on the Seahawks’ inactives report ahead of a Week 16 game vs the Vikings

The Seattle Seahawks face a crucial Week 16 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Right now, Seattle needs a win in the worst way, as their blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers last week knocked them out of both first place in the NFC West and the NFC playoff picture entirely. If the season were to magically end today, Seattle would miss the postseason.

Thankfully, the season does in fact not end today! And the Seahawks have an opportunity to find their way back into the playoff picture, but it won’t be easy. Seattle is playing host to the 12-2 Minnesota Vikings, who are (surprise surprise!) favorites.

The Seahawks lucked out earlier in the week, health-wise, as both Geno Smith and running back Ken Walker III will be playing. Joining them will be cornerback Artie Burns, who was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday.

However, quarterback Jaren Hall will be on the sideline as an inactive, who was signed from the practice squad to give depth at quarterback.

The full inactive report for the Seahawks can be seen below.

Seahawks inactive report

  • CB Nehemiah Pritchett
  • TE Brady Russell
  • LB Patrick O’Connell
  • T Michael Jerrell
  • WR Cody White
  • QB Jaren Hall

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game!

Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks live stream, how to watch, NFL football predictions, odds, tv channel, start time

The Minnesota Vikings will head to CenturyLink Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, stream it here live.

The Minnesota Vikings will meet the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football from CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.

The Seahawks come into this game with a 4-0 record looking to continue their winning streak when they face a 1-3 Vikings team that is trying to find their way this year.

Can Kirk Cousins come to Seattle and upset the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field?  Tune in to Sunday Night Football and stream all the action.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks

  • When: Sunday, October 11
  • Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: NBC
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Prediction: It’s tough to go against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks right now. They are playing great ball and expect them to continue tonight.  Both teams can score and expect this game to go over as well.

Bet: Seattle Seahawks (-6.5). Over 54.5

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NFL Football Odds and Betting Lines

NFL odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds last updated Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks (-6.5)

Over/Under: 54.5 (-110)

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