The Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback situation is at a crossroads, and Geno Smith’s grip on the starting job is tenuous at best.
Despite leading the team to a respectable 17-15 record and a playoff appearance over the past two seasons, Smith’s starting job is under threat from newcomer Sam Howell and a new coaching staff. The writing is on the wall, and Smith must perform under pressure to keep his spot as the starter.
At 33, Smith is no longer the young gun he once was, and the Seahawks’ offseason trade for Howell signals a potential changing of the guard. The new coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, may be looking for a fresh start and a younger quarterback to fit their system.
Howell, with the big-time arm talent that he has already shown, could be the preferred choice. The Seahawks’ willingness to bring in a new signal-caller suggests that they are not entirely convinced that Smith is the long-term answer anymore.
Smith’s success under former head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron may not translate to the new regime.
Grubb’s system, imported from the University of Washington, may require a different set of skills, and Smith’s ability to adapt will be a deciding factor. If he struggles to impress early on, he could find himself on the bench very quickly. The Seahawks’ new coaching staff may be looking for a quarterback who can thrive in a more dynamic, fast-paced offense, and Smith’s limitations may be exposed.
Furthermore, the Seahawks’ roster turnover and coaching changes may also work against Smith. With new faces on both sides of the ball, the team’s chemistry and identity may shift, and Smith’s leadership style may not be the best fit.
The Seahawks’ defense, which was once the team’s strength, has undergone significant changes, and the offense may need to carry more of the load. That could put additional pressure on Smith to perform, and if he falters, the team may turn to Howell sooner rather than later.
For now, the starting job still belongs to Smith, but he must step up and take his game to a new level to keep it. The Seahawks’ faithful will be watching closely to see if their veteran quarterback can rise to the challenge or if the Geno Smith era is indeed drawing to a close.
Smith’s experience and familiarity with the team’s playbook will give him an initial advantage, but he must demonstrate that he can still lead the team to victories and make plays when it matters most. He already came under fire last season, with some fans and media members calling for him to be benched.
The Seahawks’ preseason and early regular season games will be important in determining Smith’s fate. If he can lead the team to a strong start and show that he can thrive in the new system, he may be able to fend off the challenge from Howell.
However, if he struggles or the team stumbles out of the gate, the calls for Howell to take the reins will grow louder. One thing is certain – the competition at quarterback will be fierce, and there is a very real danger that Smith is facing of losing his job.
In the end, the Seahawks’ decision will come down to who gives them the best chance to win. If Smith can prove that he is still the team’s best option, he will keep his job. But if Howell shows that he is the future of the franchise, the Seahawks will be willing to make a change.
The Geno Smith era may be drawing to a close, but he has another chance to prove that he can be a good starting NFL quarterback, at least for the 2024 season.
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