The Seattle Seahawks' season is likely done. The team is now 8-7 after a Week 16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Effort and the offensive line were not the issue. After giving up seven sacks in Week 15 versus the Green Bay Packers, Seattle did not give up any until the second half to the Vikings. Seattle played hard but, ultimately, was not good enough.
Quarterback Geno Smith played fairly well, too, but he did make another horrible mistake deep in his own territory in the first half when he threw an interception. Just as bad, though, was that he took a sack inside the Vikings' territory with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter. Smith had time to throw the ball away but didn't.
His decision to hold onto the ball pushed kicker Jason Myers a bit too far out to make a field goal. Seattle still attempted one. But Myers' 60-yard field goal was short. When Smith took the sack, Seattle was well inside Myers' range.
Geno Smith's bad decision force the Seattle Seahawks to lose in Week 16 versus the Minnesota Vikings
But things got worse after that. After the Vikings punted, leading 27-24, and Seattle had a chance to at least have another field goal try potentially, Smith threw another interception, and Minnesota simply needed to run out the clock. Now Seattle has a real issue.
Backup Sam Howell is not good enough to take over QB1 duties from Smith. Smith is just good enough to make the Seahawks decent, but not good enough to consistently make the postseason. He makes too many mistakes once the Seahawks reach the red zone, and he makes errors inside Seattle's own red zone.
Smith is not a bad quarterback. He also is not good enough to push the Seahawks to be better than they are. His errors, both mental and physical, are keeping Seattle from being better. He needs to be replaced, but that will have to come in the NFL draft. However, Seattle is just good enough not to get a high pick in next year's draft which means one of the better quarterback prospects will not be available for Seattle.
Seattle could still make the postseason if it defeats the Chicago Bears in Week 17 and then the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, but does anyone expect that to happen? Not really. Smith will probably make sure of it.