Geno Smith's poor performance cripples Seahawks hopes in Week 6 versus 49ers

Geno Smith has been a huge reason the Seattle Seahawks had a 3-2 record entering Week 6. For the most part, especially in each of Seattle's losses, the defense has been terrifically bad. Smith has had to try to win games seemingly on his own.

Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers was different, though. Seattle got down early by 20 points and had to try to play catch-up the rest of the way. One reason the team trailed early was Smith horribly overthrowing Tyler Lockett on Seattle's first drive of the game. The team appeared to be at least in field goal range, and a fast start by Seattle would have given the team a lot of momentum.

Seattle was able to mount a comeback, \cut the lead to 23-17, and got the ball back. Inside 49ers territory, however, Smith and intended receiver DK Metcalf had a miscommunication, and Smith underthrew Metcalf for an easy interception by the 49ers. San Francisco scored a touchdown following the turnover.

Geno Smith's disastrous Week 6 dooms the Seahawks versus the 49ers

Interceptions were not the only problem for Smith, however. He threw too high for most of the game, missing would-be receivers. His first half performance was one of the times he has looked his worst since taking over as QB1 for Seattle in 2022. His second half play was only slightly better.

Smith also missed a wide-open Kenneth Walker III with less than three minutes left on a scramble drill. Smith appeared to be looking in the same direction Walker was running, but instead, Smith threw underneath to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. It was an easy mistake to make, but not after a night of two wretched interceptions.

The problem is that Geno Smith almost has to play perfect football for the Seahawks to have any chance of winning. The defense has been terrible for three straight games. Against the 49ers, the defense surrendered nearly 500 total yards, 229 of them rushing, and an average play of 8.1 yards. That is not winning football.

Smith did not help in Week 6, however. Some 12s will always doubt Smith can be a highly successful quarterback. Week 6 will only add fuel to the fire for doubters. Smith's overall 2024 play doesn't deserve that, but his Week 6 performance does deserve to be ridiculed. If he continues to play the way he did against the 49ers against other good teams, Seattle will have a losing record this season.