Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith’s resolve pays off in Week 1
By Jake Luppino
The Seattle Seahawks started off their season in typical fashion, with the game coming down to the final play. The rollercoaster emotions were in full effect in the Week 1 upset victory over the Denver Broncos.
Right from the beginning, you can see the emotion Seattle was playing with. Not only did they want to spoil Russell Wilson’s return to Lumen Field, but they wanted to make a statement to the rest of the league in doing so.
No one more than seasoned veteran Geno Smith (23 for 28 passing, 195 yards and 2 TDs), who has been given his second chance at being a starter in the NFL.
In years past, we have seen the Seattle Seahawks resolve be tested, but not broken, resulting in many wins. Although, on Monday Night, a different type of resolve was shown.
Evaluating Seahawks QB Geno Smith’s Week 1 start
The near-decade journey for Geno’s climb back to the top was not easy. His resolve was tested year in and year out as he became a backup with the team that drafted him. Then, joining the other New York team backing up Eli Manning, before joining the Chargers to back up Phillip Rivers and eventually, the Seattle Seahawks backing up Russell Wilson.
His belief in himself kept him going, kept him thinking that he would soon get his chance again. Well, when the opportunity arose, Geno took full advantage of it. The moment wasn’t too big for him. I will break down Geno’s well-deserved praise from the Week 1 victory into three categories.
Shane Waldron’s Gameplan
Ironically, the man that Russell Wilson handpicked for offensive coordinator helped prepare Geno Smith in defeating his predecessor. The play calling was guided around quick decision-making for Geno. The pre-snap movement helped distract the defense and create easy opportunities for short completions. Most importantly, by getting the ball out quickly, Geno was able to keep his offense ahead of schedule.
Offensive Line Play
For the first time since the 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars, two rookie tackles are starting on an offensive line. Those, of course, being Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. The Denver Broncos front is no easy task. Headlined by Randy Gregory and Bradley Chubb, I thought the rookies did an exceptional job of keeping the pocket clean for Geno.
Geno Smith’s Playmaking
Most importantly, Geno Smith made plays happen. When the pocket did collapse, Geno did a good job of either hanging in there and making tough throws. Or, he stepped up, evaded pressure and delivered a strike down the field. These are just two prime examples.
The first coming on the Will Dissly touchdown. Geno steps up, evades pressure and makes an impressive jump pass that results in the first score of the game. The second coming later in the second quarter when Geno reads man coverage, stands in the pocket and delivers a strike to Colby Parkinson.
Watching the game, Geno remained poised and in control of the entire time. He didn’t have any turnovers and never really tried to do too much on any single play. His final stat line was very impressive given the circumstances and magnitude of this ball game.