Seahawks week 8 MVP: Geno Smith hits the mark with big win

The Seahawks desperately needed a win Sunday, and their backup QB showed the team’s confidence was well-deserved. No one was more valuable on this day than Geno Smith.

For first time this season, the Seahawks got an easy win. For the first time this season, they got a win at home. And for the first time since 2014, Geno Smith got a win as a starter. Just as the Hawks made it look easy to beat down the Jags, Smith made subbing for the injured Russell Wilson look easy. In fact, he made it look like child’s play.

I’d be very far off the mark myself if I didn’t acknowledge the other Seahawks candidates for the game MVP. The defense played its best game of the year, holding Jacksonville out of the end zone until after the two-minute warning.

Bobby Wagner was everywhere as usual, finishing the game with 14 tackles. Quandre Diggs broke up two passes and intercepted a third. Cornerback Ryan Neal had a tackle for a loss, two quarterback hits, and the Seahawks only sack of the game.

Geno Smith: Seahawks week 8 MVP

On the offensive side of the ball, both wideouts had outstanding games. DK Metcalf hauled in two touchdown passes and caught all six of his targets. Tyler Lockett had an outstanding game as he caught 12 of his 13 targets. He racked up 142 yards, and narrowly missed a touchdown of his own. The Hawks offense hadn’t put 24 points on the board since their week four win over the Niners. That was Seattle’s last win until Sunday and the last time Russell Wilson finished a game.

Which leads me back to my MVP, Mr. Geno Smith. Smith led an improbable near-comeback versus the Rams in week five, but seemed to have the worst luck starting in Wilson’s place in the following games. Well, he didn’t need any luck against the Jaguars. Or perhaps he made his own. Smith played with confidence and poise throughout the game, far more than you’d expect for a player who hadn’t started and finished a win since FDR was in the White House. Okay, it was 2014, but I’m sure it felt like that to Smith.

Make no mistake about it, 12s. Geno Smith was terrific in this game. No, the Jaguars aren’t a good team, or even close to a good team. 195 yards passing isn’t a ton of yardage, either. But on a day when the ground game couldn’t get going, Geno Smith kept the Seahawks on the move and in the end zone. And that, 12s, earned him my week 8 MVP.