The Athletic: Geno knocking on the door of stardom

[JayhawkMike]

Thanks for the necro. I hadn't heard a good knock knock joke in years.

 

[pittpnthrs]

He's a Super Bowl capable QB who is also capable of making bad defenses look good.

And this is where you lost me. What has he done in his career for you to come up with this opinion?

 

[GemCity]

Considering this O-line, I’m hesitant to say Geno isn’t this or that.

Everyone does get emotional though…we’ve all been there.

With the make-up of this team, I truly believe Geno is just a stop gap QB. That’s not knocking him…just speaks to where the team is at as a whole.

I’d prefer for him not to make it worse as the season goes (some very uncharacteristic, boneheaded plays as of late) but…

 

[toffee]

If you don't have a membership to The Athletic, I highly recommend it. I think I am paying like 2 bucks a month and it's more than worth it.

Michael-Shawn Dugar
Sep 30, 2024

RENTON, Wash. — DK Metcalf was annoyed, as he often is when this topic arises.

In came a question during the Seattle Seahawks receiver’s Week 3 news conference, prefaced with a remark about Geno Smith being underrated. Metcalf and Smith both arrived in Seattle in 2019, and this is Smith’s third season as the starting quarterback. Metcalf has been a believer in Smith since the beginning, which is why by December of Smith’s breakout season in 2022, Metcalf complained that the media’s questions about his quarterback had become stale.

So, when a reporter began a question on Sept. 18 with, “A lot about Geno is kind of underrated …” Metcalf scoffed at the premise. Again.

“Man, y’all been calling this man underrated for three years,” Metcalf said. “When is it gon’ stop? He’s not underrated by any means. He’s an NFL quarterback just like 31 other NFL quarterbacks. I don’t think the ‘underrated’ title should be used anymore.”

Metcalf is correct that, locally, much of the discussion about Smith is centered around how he’s suddenly become a competent quarterback after seven years as a backup, and the lack of credit he receives from those outside the Pacific time zone.

It is also accurate to say the perception of Smith outside of Seattle is not commensurate with his production.

Seattle’s nationally televised game against the Detroit Lions on Monday night could go a long way toward changing that — and determining whether the Seahawks (3-0) will be viewed as a potentially frisky wild-card team or a legitimate contender in the NFC.

“A lot of times people use that word (underrated) because that’s the highest regard that they feel that they could give someone before they put them in the conversation of elite or top quarterbacks,” said veteran receiver Tyler Lockett, another player who has often been labeled underrated. “At some point, he has to be able to get out of that conversation, and you have to start putting him in those conversations where the other top quarterbacks are, based off his play.”

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5798360/2024/09/30/geno-smith-seahawks-lions-underrated-mnf/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=10975325

Stardom or not, dot net has voted, Geno ain't getting no contract extension. His agent should request trade before Geno finally gets hurt from OL plays.

 

[calinator]

Considering this O-line, I’m hesitant to say Geno isn’t this or that.

Everyone does get emotional though…we’ve all been there.

With the make-up of this team, I truly believe Geno is just a stop gap QB. That’s not knocking him…just speaks to where the team is at as a whole.

I’d prefer for him not to make it worse as the season goes (some very uncharacteristic, boneheaded plays as of late) but…

This is the smartest take. You can't judge a QB who's under duress on every snap. Some of Geno's bad throws against the Rams were due to the OL not giving any time. I don't think Geno is perfect but he has looked great at times when given decent protection. The situation is tough for me because I think the team needs a full rebuild at OL/DL but Geno and Metcalf are win now players. I'm not sure how quickly they could turn around the talent, would have to get lucky in FA/Trades/Draft.

 

[Ozzy]

I think it’s fairly obvious what he is. A good QB with some limitations in the 10-17 range. Like other guys in that range if you have a great situation around him he can play slightly higher but he is what he is.

 

[jammerhawk]

Until Geno stops turning the ball over in the red zone, he will never truly be a star player but just a good average player with elite abilities.

 

[West TX Hawk]

Until Geno stops turning the ball over in the red zone, he will never truly be star player but just a good average player with elite abilities.

That’s a fair assessment but it’s those elite traits that are still exciting sometimes and bring promise. It’s like a 100 mph pitcher who gets the yips occasionally and can’t hit the zone-there’s still hope even at 34 he could put it all together at some point.

 

[West TX Hawk]

I think it’s fairly obvious what he is. A good QB with some limitations in the 10-17 range. Like other guys in that range if you have a great situation around him he can play slightly higher but he is what he is.

I think that’s an honest and accurate description. Let me ask you this though, is that really a bad thing in the present? While we all would yearn for the next top 5 guy, what are the odds we’re actually going to find one in the near future?

I’m not necessarily advocating a long extension as arguments can certainly be made that a substantial cap hit could limit the ability to improve the rest of the team, nor am I saying we shouldn’t draft a QB if he checks the boxes, but a top 10-17 QB for the next couple years is even hard to come by and we could still have some success.

From a larger viewpoint, I’m reminded of Steven Stills’ song “Love the One You’re With”—we could certainly do a whole lot worse and I’m a little puzzled by the sentiments of some posters clamoring to ax Geno asap and that have broad angst against him. Why do you think that is?

I understand the notion others argue of “just give Howell the reigns. He costs a lot less and could probably be just as effective.” But would he really or would we be starting down the Browns and Panthers cycle of trying new QBs every 2 years and hope 1 eventually sticks as the losses pile up.

Maybe who we have isn’t that bad for a little while?

 

[jammerhawk]

Thing is just recall how many red zone turnovers Gee-No has committed or has been a part of this season. Frankly think he’s talented but is challenged in the redzone. That’s not star level play.

lest it be thought I’m a Geno hater, I can’t think of any available QB who is better than him. In fact if he’d stop turning the ball over in the red zone I agree he could become a star.

The thing is he’s 34 and his history isn’t his friend. However, I think he might still get it, I am an optimist though, some may disagree.

Until he protects the ball better after long hard won yardage and clock is used up, he will not be a star, and will continue to frustrate us.

 

[BeaHUman]

The all or nothing yo-yo emotional knee jerks (Geno or others) can be nauseating. Did Geno make some terrible throws...yep. Did he have some impressive ones...yep. Is he playing behind one of the worst OL's in the league...yep. Has he mitigated that at times...yep. Does he make bad decisions at times...yep.

People have their right to voice frustration and I'm not telling anyone they can't. At the same time, I appreciate a well informed opinion with data over emotional all-or-nothing reactions.

The game showed significant capabilities from seveal players and units yesterday. The penalties and execution errors nullified any sustained momentum. Those can be cleaned up, except for the OL which I have no faith can consistently beat their man, and the data support that.

Emotional reactions aren't wrong...they just don't add much to the discussion IMO. When Geno threw the 2nd int, I was pissed for literally a second and then started evaluating next steps. I enjoy that part of the game more at my age than the extreme swings and I appreciate limiting/eliminating drama the older I get. Speculation is fine and can drive good discussions...but they aren't facts and shouldn't be treated as such.

IMO, the critical facts are simple:
1. JS has failed to bring in the horses needed for the OL, which is near the worst in the league and that impacts our team across the board, O & D.
2. The team isn't what many hoped for at the start of the season, but the roster has many talented players that do not play consistently in their units.

I speculate:
1. JS needs better people to evalfuate and acquire OL talent and Grubb needs pro NFL help developing them.
2. MM will address the failures and improve the team. He was quality control coach, so he knows the analytics of players and the game.
3. We prob do not make the playoffs, but make gains toward positive consistency through the end of the year.

Not giving up on this year, but have limited expectations. Hopefully the team proves me wrong on that.

Spot on LeveeBreak

 

[jammerhawk]

He may be knocking but they haven’t answered back.

 

[Sperrydogg]

I hear you knocking.. but you caaannnn’t come in….

 

[SoulfishHawk]

geNONEWCONTRACT

 

[Chukarhawk]

I'm seeing O-line improvement in the last couple weeks. Hopefully that translates to wins and improved QB play.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

No doubt. Feels like playoffs start this Sunday. At least that's how I see it, and I'm sure Coach Mike is preaching that.

 

[Ozzy]

I'm seeing O-line improvement in the last couple weeks. Hopefully that translates to wins and improved QB play.

So far it hasn't moved the needle for his play but one good week and turn a slump around too so hoping he snaps out of it this week.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Not to start a flaming back and forth war etc. but Geno and stardom? Hmmmm......

Not really a match.

 

[Chukarhawk]

we have faced some really good defensive teams all year.

 

[hawks85]

Greatness? Nope. Sure, Geno has a great comeback story and I'm glad he shut up a lot of the doubters to an extent. Geno has that Russell Wilson thing going where he's trying to be someone he's not. We're 7-5 not because of Geno, we're 7-5 because of our defense. I've been ready to move on from the Geno experience since last year.