NFL analyst has an odd way of slighting Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith

Geno Smith was not quite as good in 2023 as he was in 2022. He did make the Pro Bowl in both seasons, however, so even if his numbers dipped last year, he was still a relatively good quarterback. The Seattle Seahawks did not make the postseason last season, but they still had the same record as the season before - 9-8.

In 2022, Smith led the NFL in completion percentage and the NFC in touchdown passes. His quarterback coach that season was Dave Canales and the offensive coordinator was Shane Waldron. Canales left in the offseason and became the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A year later, Canales is the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

In 2023, Smith led the league in game-winning drives and fourth quarter comebacks. His completion percentage dipped and his touchdown percentage went down as well. His quarterbacks coach was Greg Olson while Waldron remained the OC.

Reason given for Seahawks QB Geno Smith to digress is inconsistent with logic

The question that might be asked is whether Smith's greater success in 2022 was due to the direction of Canales or the play-calling of Waldron. Last year, the team threw quite a bit more and the play-calling seemed even more inconsistent, many times being too pass-heavy. Smith also played behind a poor pass-blocking offensive line so he was forced into more bad decisions.

Running the ball a bit more with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet might have helped Smith and his receivers, but Waldron refused to call more run plays. Now, Waldron is gone and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has taken his place.

The above is pointed out because Pro Football Network's Anthony DiBona recently wrote an article about each team's player that is most likely to digress. DiBona's pick for the Seahawks was Geno Smith.

As part of his write-up about Smith, DiBona said, "Under the watch of Dave Canales and Shane Waldron, Seattle’s offense went to another level, and Smith was a driving force behind it...Smith took a step back last season following Canales’ departure. Now Waldron has also moved on, which is why 2024 will be a true test of Smith’s abilities. Will he be able to succeed without two key coaches, or were they the reason for his resurgence?"

The issue is that Smith was a bit less efficient in 2023 without Canales but Waldron was still with the team. This would imply that the reason Smith was as good in 2022 was partly due to Canales's leadership because Waldron was still around when Smith's performance was not at the same level. Waldron leaving might be a good thing for Seattle and Smith, not a negative.

Grubb has shown at different stops in college that he knows how to design excellent route trees for his receivers while also keeping his quarterbacks protected. Grubb's presence should mean a more productive Smith. Instead of digressing, Smith could have the best season of his career.

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