Grading Geno Smith: Dime-dropping performance doesn’t help in Week 5

The surprise of the early 2022 NFL season has to be Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith. In fact, one could argue, if it wasn’t for his phenomenal play, our beloved Seahawks would be 0-5.

His sustainable play has kept the Seahawks afloat throughout the first month of the season. Entering the season, no one would have guessed Seattle would have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. And yet, here we are.

The failure on the defensive side of the ball will be the downfall for this team. That was once again on display in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints. Whether it was Alvin Kamara in the passing game or Taysom Hill on the ground, the inability to defend ultimately resulted in the loss.

Nonetheless, it will not take away from what I perceived to be Geno’s Smith best game of the season.

Evaluating Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith’s Week 5 start

It was quite impressive to see Geno Smith remain poised in the second half while trailing by two scores. On the road with all the momentum shifting after turnovers and untimely penalties, the Seattle Seahawks found themselves digging their own grave.

To make matters worse, a devastating injury to Rashaad Penny all but sucked the air out of that Seattle sideline. I honestly wouldn’t have been shocked if Seattle folded and completely gave the game away.

But, boy was I wrong. Not only did the Seahawks storm back to take the lead in the middle of the fourth. Geno Smith dropped an absolute dime to Tyler Lockett to cut the lead to 31-25. Despite having the highest completion percentage in the league, many questioned if Geno could make the throws into the tight windows.

If you still doubt it, then you should get your eyes checked. The confidence Geno is playing with jumps right off the screen. He obviously believes in himself, but the culture Pete Carroll has instilled allows these players to blossom. That shouldn’t go unnoticed.

My favorite play of the game was the throw he made across his body rolling to his left to Noah Fant in the first quarter. He threaded the needle and set the tone early on that he trusts himself when throwing into tight coverage.

Once again, DK Metcalf had a big game. It could have been bigger if he didn’t drop a touchdown pass or fumble early on in the second half. Regardless of the errors and outcome of this game, Geno showed his teammates he can lead a rally in the second half on the road against a sturdy defense.

That can go a long way in a season that can well be decided by the fate of this offense and their ability to deliver on big drives late in crucial games.

Grade: A