The quarterback battle between Geno Smith and Drew Lock is officially over, with Smith being named the starter. Meaning that Smith will be the single caller in week one against the Denver Broncos, and Russell Wilson will return to the Emerald City on September 12th.
“Geno’s going to start the opener,” Carroll told the media. “He’s earned it. He’s won the job.”
“Geno’s been the guy in the lead position the whole time, and I’ve protected that thought throughout,” Carroll said via ESPN.com. “He’s done a really nice job. He’s been very consistent.”
Carroll added, “The time frames got messed up for us for Drew,” Carroll said. “He just ran out of time in making his bid for it.
Geno Smith will start week 1 for the first time since 2014
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will start week 1 for a team for the first time since he was at the helm with the New York Jets in 2014. The Jets drafted with the 39th overall pick in 2013, and Smith would be their full-time starter for two years until former teammate IK Enemkpali broke his jaw over a $600 plane ticket, according to SI.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity and grateful,” Smith said of getting the starting job. “I have a lot of work ahead of me. That was my mindset from the start. It’s just getting ready to [go] out there and win games. This is just step one in that process. It’s really about winning, and none of this will matter if we don’t go out and win the games we’re supposed to win.”
“It means a lot,” Smith said. “I’m pretty sure it’s something I’ve been preparing for, and the reality is that it’s just Step 1. It’s just the beginning. I’ve got to make sure that I’m ready to go out there and win and play 17 games and more. For me, I’m grateful. I’m thankful. I’m forever indebted to the Seattle Seahawks organization, but it’s time to get to work.”
The Seattle Seahawks are slated to win 5.5 games this season, according to Oddseeker.com.
Geno Smith did not play terrible last season while Wilson was out
He finished the 2021 season with five touchdowns and an interception, with a solid passing rating of 103.0, but the team did extremely well in that period. In Smith’s first start in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Alex Collins carried Seattle’s offense rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown, according to SI.
“In the games that I played last year, the numbers speak for themselves, Smith said. “The things I showed most and continue to try and do out there is to make the right reads, have the right footwork, make the right run checks, and make sure there are no negatives.
“I pride myself on making sure guys are in the right position and always being that coordinator on the field. I believe in my ability, and I know I can make a ton of plays with my arms and my legs. It’s about moving the chains and scoring points.”