Every season some teams and players surprise a lot of people, whether it be for good or bad reasons. 2022 has been no different, as there have been plenty of eyebrow-raising occurrences thus far this season as we approach the midway point. Arguably the most surprising individual performance this season has been what Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has accomplished.

Smith has been on the backup circuit for the last six seasons after starting 29 games for the New York Jets in his first two seasons as a professional.

Things didn’t pan out with the Jets, especially in Year 2, when he had a 3-10 record as a starter. He spent two more seasons there as a backup before moving on to the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers for a season apiece. In 2020, he landed with the Seattle Seahawks as Russell Wilson’s backup.

That was a role he filled for two years before he was given the chance to compete for the starting spot this offseason. Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos and Smith was in a quarterback battle with Drew Lock, who was acquired in the package from Denver.

Smith won the competition and he hasn’t looked back. He has performed at a very high level all season, helping lead the Seahawks to a 5-3 record thus far. They currently sit atop the NFC West and Smith is a big reason why.

He has consistently made plays, some of them being big ones. Smith has 13 passing touchdowns on the season, which has already tied a career-high. According to PFF, out of those 13, nine of them have been on 20+ yard throws, which leads the NFL.

It is a truly remarkable turn of events what is going on in Seattle. Smith has been given another shot at reviving his career and he is thriving. Having weapons such as D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett certainly helps, but he still has to make plays and he has been doing it.

Smith currently leads the NFL in completion percentage at 72.7, throwing for 1,924 yards in the process. Seattle has turned into a pretty potent offense with him under center, leading a very talented offense. 

In addition to Metcalf and Lockett, the Seahawks are also getting excellent production from running back Kenneth Walker III, who is picking up right where Rashaad Penny left off when he was injured. It was an advantageous position for a quarterback to be put in and Geno Smith is making the most of it.