Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is the poster boy of why teams spend resources on project quarterbacks. Some fans argue that spending time on prospects that have bounced around is a waste of time and resources. However, the Seahawks likely don’t feel that way about the return they have gotten with Smith.
That said, the Seahawks quarterback’s unlikely success story will come to an effective close this season.
Here’s a look at three bold predictions fleshing out that storyline.
Geno Smith’s statistical decline continues
Smith saw a stark decline in production between 2022 and 2023. In 2022, he threw for 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, shocking the NFL. However, the league appeared to somewhat catch up to Smith in 2023, when he threw for 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
This year, his decline will continue on the stat sheet to even lower numbers. His last big chunk of work with his first team, the New York Jets, saw him throw for 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. That total isn’t outside the realm of possibility this season.
He doesn’t work well with rookie head coach Mike Macdonald in live action
At this point, Seahawks fans have been quick to tout Mike Macdonald’s impressive history of work leading up to his job as the team’s new head coach. However, promoting a coordinator to a head coach is not unlike spending a draft pick on a premium prospect. Sometimes, it works out for the better. Sometimes, just like prospects in the NFL Draft, it doesn’t pan out.
Whether it Smith’s fault, Macdonald’s fault, or a few unlucky bounces of the football at the worst times, the new duo doesn’t lead to success in 2024.
The chemistry built up between Pete Carroll and Smith pales in comparison to Macdonald and Smith once the bullets start flying and the team begins to struggle.
Geno Smith misses the playoffs
Whether the team will remain relevant throughout the season is anyone’s guess. However, in the end, the Seahawks will miss the playoffs for the second straight season.
As the team’s quarterback, Geno Smith will take on the brunt of the blame. The unfortunate conclusion of the season will encourage analysts on various shows to view Smith as a bridge quarterback in 2025.
Of course, the Seahawks themselves will be left with the freedom to do what they wish. They may want to give it another year with some new pieces on the outside and another year for Macdonald to settle in. Either way, Seattle will be faced with some difficult choices after the season.
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