Grading Geno: Seahawks offense struggles in Week 2 loss to 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks offense has failed to produce any points in six consecutive quarters. The struggles were on full display in a Week 2 blowout loss headlined by turnovers, penalties and poor tackling.

In a matter of a two-week span, we have seen both versions of this Seahawks team. Unfortunately, only one of those versions will define how the rest of this regular season goes. Meaning, the better version of our quarterback will result in more wins.

We must not treat Geno Smith any differently from Russell Wilson. In years past, when Russ and this offense struggled, he was front and center for the blame. The same should be done for Geno Smith. The expectations for the two are quite different, but the overall standing that comes with being a franchise quarterback does not change.

I know Geno Smith cannot account for the poor tackling or costly penalties from the defense. However, he can be blamed for poor offensive production.

Evaluating Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith’s Week 2 start

In Week 1 for this Seattle offense, I accredited the victory to good game planning, solid protection up front and Geno Smith’s playmaking. None of those reappeared in Week 2.

Let’s start with the most glaring offensive problem: play calling. In Week 1 against Denver, Shane Waldron did a good job of balancing run and pass options. He called plays that allowed Geno to settle into a rhythm. We saw lots of pre-snap movement, quick passes which ultimately led to Geno playing a near-perfect half.

This past Sunday, outside of Tyler Lockett, this offense looked like they stayed back in Seattle. Down 13-0, the trick play with DeeJay Dallas throwing an interception really changed the scope of this game. Only 6 carries for Rashaad Penny?

The highly anticipated debut of rookie HB Kenneth Walker III was disappointing. Only 4 carries for him? Going up against a dominant defensive front in San Francisco, establishing the run is a critical element of having success.

Speaking of pass rush, the offensive line struggled. It was unfortunate to see Damien Lewis go down in this game after battling back from injury to make his season debut. Overall, I will take it easy on this front as we have two rookie tackles starting.

The one notable thing I will mention was the ineligible man downfield penalty on Abe Lucas on that huge trick play to DK Metcalf. Ironically, on that play, he demolished the defender.

Lastly, watching this game it felt that Geno rushed into some bad decisions with the football. The Seahawks really shot themselves in the foot with turnovers. His lack of playmaking this week resulted in a stagnant Seattle offense. It felt as if the defensive pressure got to him, forcing him into bad throws. When he didn’t force the throw, he held onto the ball for way too long.

Although Geno’s final stat line doesn’t read poor performance, he failed to put points on the board, and that is a losing formula.

Grade: D