Geno Smith extremely sharp in short stint to open Seahawks versus Browns
By Lee Vowell
Geno Smith needed just one drive to prove he is the alpha of the Seattle Seahawks offense. Smith played for the first time in the preseason - as well as receiver DK Metcalf - in preseason Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. If there was some game-day rust to shake off, Smith did not show it.
After a poor pass to begin the game where he overthrew Metcalf by a few yards, Smith settled in and completed his next four passes, the last of which was a perfect fade to Metcalf in the end zone for a touchdown. Smith also threw a dime to Jaxon Smith-Nigba for a 25-yard gain and escaped a blitzer to complete an eight-yard pass to running back Kenny McIntosh on a check-down.
While the Seahawks certainly did not show everything the offense might be capable of under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, 12s got a tease of what the scheme might showcase. Deep passes down the sidelines? Check. Deep pass of any kind to Metcalf? Another check.
Geno Smith and the Seahawks offense look brilliant in limited action against the Cleveland Browns
Smith finished four for five for 62 yards. His blocking was not pristine and he had to get out of the way a few times from being sacked, but that is another trait of the quarterback's that has always been underappreciated. Likely even underused.
If Smith needs to get out of the way of danger, he can. He might scramble more quickly this season. Under former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, Smith seemed to be too harnessed. That won't happen under Grubb and Smith might feel more of the freedom to make his own decisions.
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Of note is how good Metcalf and Smith-Njigba looked as well. Metcalf had just one catch for 21 yards for a touchdown, but he was bigger and stronger than his defender. He might set career-highs for touchdowns and catches in 2024 under Grubb who will find diverse ways of using the receiver.
What you see is Geno Smith and DK Metcalf playing BIG BOY BALL. What I see is Geno Smith and new Seahawks OC Ryan Grub cooking up 7 course meals all year with all the offensive weapons they have. Buckle up 12s it should be a fun ride this year #GoHawks pic.twitter.com/4qDbj9WlfY
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 25, 2024
Smith-Njigba looked more confident in what he was expected to do than he did last season as well. He beat his man with quickness on his 25-yard reception. On another catch, he gained just seven yards but that helped set up Metcalf's touchdown.
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