Sam

[hox]

We should all be hoping for Sam to have a completely ho-hum average stat game. If he does, it means the defense is smacking the whiners around and the run game is working and chewing up clock. If he has a lights-out 400 yard, 4 TD game it means we're in a shootout BLOWOUT.

Fixed.

 

[glenwo2]

Fixed.

EXACTLY.

 

[Ozzy]

We did it! 30 pages!

My final post. Geno was one of my least favorite players ever and I don't care who knows it. Wish him well in life tho so don't equate the two.

 

[FrodosFinger]

Might need to. Sam is hurt.

no he isn’t

 

[FrodosFinger]

Mike Macdonald on Darnold’s oblique “But I think right now, he’s confident that he’s gonna be able to go do his thing at 100%, and we are too.“

 

[keasley45]

My main issue with Keasley is Geno would get every excuse in the book. He would twist himself in pretzels excusing nearly every int.
And despite his claims to the otherwise Keasley did in fact claim Geno was top ten if not top five or close to it. Which was always pure nonsense.
He also gives Darnold close to zero credit for our team getting 14 wins this year.
Keasley played the victim all off-season in these arguments all while calling people ignorant and he the ball knower.
He comes off as rather obnoxious and can never even remotely admit he is biased when he analyses these QB's.

Nate-

Here are the 'excuses' for Geno and please, please please, tell me which one isnt actually a reason for a QB to fail.

1. A bad OC can destroy an entire offense, let alone a QB. Geno played under Waldron and Grubb, both of whom were notoriously bad at their jobs and who both were bad at scheming plays. Grubb was particularly bad at doing anything but running a pass based shotgun offense. Is that a reason a QB might not play optimally or an excuse?

2. For Geno's entire time here, we had a bottom 5 pass blocking o line. Never did he complete a lower percentage of passes than Sam has no with a top 5 pass blocking line. And with that pass blocking, or lack thereof, he still was top 3 to 5 in the league in accuracy and completions above expectation.

3. This year we tout how important the run game is to an offense and QB play, that it is CRITICAL for us to succeed with Sam. Geno never had anywhere near a top 10 run game. And under Grubb, we didn't even try to run. So no balance, and no PA. Is that an excuse? Or a reason why a QB might struggle?

4. This year, our defense has bailed our offense out a ton over the last half of the season, and again, we tout how critical it's going to be for us to be successful. For 80% of the games Geno played, he was starting across from a bottom 3 to 5 unit who gave the offense few opportunities and gave up leads he gained in the passing game repeatedly. The performance we put up against the Rams on Thursday night was closer to the norm prior to MM getting here. Is that a reason for why a QB might lose games he shouldn't or just an excuse?

5. And with the TOs (and in no season did Geno have more than Sam has now), just as with Sam, when Geno just flat tossed one up to the other team, bad on him. But Geno was getting crucified for every INT he tossed when even in post game analysis by guys like Daniel Jeremiah and quite a few other, unbiased analysts, if he tossed an INT that was obviously either a drop or was identified by others as the fault of the WR, I pointed that out. And there were many, and plays that resulted in losses - DK was responsible for 2 in one game against the 9ers and another against the Packers and 2 in a game against Cincy. The issue is that when these kind of things happened, it was a pile on Geno. Not a sprint to defend him.

And it started from the very first oppoerunity he got in relief if Russ against the Rams in 2022 when he came in and was driving us to a comeback after the offense has been horrid with Russ in. The game ended on an INT after Tyler got interfered with and fell. But there was no acknowledgment of that. Just that Geno would always be 'Geno'.

There is a reason why in January of last year in preseason forecasts for 2025 QB play (prior to Geno being traded) he was viewed pretty consistently as a top 10 to 12 passer, despite how bad the offense was under Grubb - because as was repeated constantly in analysis of our offense going into 2025, 'Geno was not the problem'.

 

[glenwo2]

 

[MontanaHawk05]

Sam is going to get another season as franchise QB no matter what, simply because he's still the best (by far) of a bunch of bad options. Neither Lock nor Milroe are going to fill any seats, and neither will anybody we could bring in via the draft or free agency. Might as well throw a couple of new weapons at him (or keep developing their current young ones) and see what that does.

And of course, if the Seahawks win tonight, he'll actually deserve it.

But Sam is going to get a pass for two other reasons that have nothing to do with his technical performance: 1) He is relatively young and thus much more easily viewed as a valid QBOTF option, and 2) he doesn't act like an unprofessional dick.

 

[Natethegreat]

Sam is going to get another season as franchise QB no matter what, simply because he's still the best (by far) of a bunch of bad options. Neither Lock nor Milroe are going to fill any seats, and neither will anybody we could bring in via the draft or free agency. Might as well throw a couple of new weapons at him (or keep developing their current young ones) and see what that does.

And of course, if the Seahawks win tonight, he'll actually deserve it.

But Sam is going to get a pass for two other reasons that have nothing to do with his technical performance: 1) He is relatively young and thus much more easily viewed as a valid QBOTF option, and 2) he doesn't act like an unprofessional dick.

I agree with this and would add that if your qb is capable of winning 14 games back to back on two different teams that means you have a good shot at the playoffs every year. The more chances at the playoffs the more chances at winning the whole thing.
No one is going to win it every year but if you can make it to the playoffs and give yourself a chance that is a pretty good start.

 

[hawkfan68]

Nate-

Here are the 'excuses' for Geno and please, please please, tell me which one isnt actually a reason for a QB to fail.

1. A bad OC can destroy an entire offense, let alone a QB. Geno played under Waldron and Grubb, both of whom were notoriously bad at their jobs and who both were bad at scheming plays. Grubb was particularly bad at doing anything but running a pass based shotgun offense. Is that a reason a QB might not play optimally or an excuse?

2. For Geno's entire time here, we had a bottom 5 pass blocking o line. Never did he complete a lower percentage of passes than Sam has no with a top 5 pass blocking line. And with that pass blocking, or lack thereof, he still was top 3 to 5 in the league in accuracy and completions above expectation.

3. This year we tout how important the run game is to an offense and QB play, that it is CRITICAL for us to succeed with Sam. Geno never had anywhere near a top 10 run game. And under Grubb, we didn't even try to run. So no balance, and no PA. Is that an excuse? Or a reason why a QB might struggle?

4. This year, our defense has bailed our offense out a ton over the last half of the season, and again, we tout how critical it's going to be for us to be successful. For 80% of the games Geno played, he was starting across from a bottom 3 to 5 unit who gave the offense few opportunities and gave up leads he gained in the passing game repeatedly. The performance we put up against the Rams on Thursday night was closer to the norm prior to MM getting here. Is that a reason for why a QB might lose games he shouldn't or just an excuse?

5. And with the TOs (and in no season did Geno have more than Sam has now), just as with Sam, when Geno just flat tossed one up to the other team, bad on him. But Geno was getting crucified for every INT he tossed when even in post game analysis by guys like Daniel Jeremiah and quite a few other, unbiased analysts, if he tossed an INT that was obviously either a drop or was identified by others as the fault of the WR, I pointed that out. And there were many, and plays that resulted in losses - DK was responsible for 2 in one game against the 9ers and another against the Packers and 2 in a game against Cincy. The issue is that when these kind of things happened, it was a pile on Geno. Not a sprint to defend him.

And it started from the very first oppoerunity he got in relief if Russ against the Rams in 2022 when he came in and was driving us to a comeback after the offense has been horrid with Russ in. The game ended on an INT after Tyler got interfered with and fell. But there was no acknowledgment of that. Just that Geno would always be 'Geno'.

There is a reason why in January of last year in preseason forecasts for 2025 QB play (prior to Geno being traded) he was viewed pretty consistently as a top 10 to 12 passer, despite how bad the offense was under Grubb - because as was repeated constantly in analysis of our offense going into 2025, 'Geno was not the problem'.

QB play can also make an OL and offense look better or worse. Geno was atrocious in the redzone. While Darnold may have more total TOs, Geno's turnovers were largely in the red zone. Taking points away. Bad decision making when it mattered the most. Darnold is a leader. Geno just pouted when things didn't go his way. Darnold remains calm in adverse situations. He doesn't sit on the bench by himself and pout. He looks to work with his coaches and teammates to solve the issues. Darnold is growing as a player. Geno recessed as one. That is the difference.

 

[GemCity]

Go Hawks?

 

[Welshers2]

Geno was a great QB at times here. Yes he had a terrible year in Vegas but he had a couple solid seasons in Seattle.

Serious Sam Darnold however? Next level. Top tier guy. THE MAN

 

[keasley45]

QB play can also make an OL and offense look better or worse. Geno was atrocious in the redzone. While Darnold may have more total TOs, Geno's turnovers were largely in the red zone. Taking points away. Bad decision making when it mattered the most. Darnold is a leader. Geno just pouted when things didn't go his way. Darnold remains calm in adverse situations. He doesn't sit on the bench by himself and pout. He looks to work with his coaches and teammates to solve the issues. Darnold is growing as a player. Geno recessed as one. That is the difference.

First. Yeah, Geno made some dumb ass plays. But the degree it became an exercise of just flatly blaming every INT or sack on him was rediculous. It was patent 'assumed guilty' before any inquiry.

Again, when I defend Geno I get blasted, so I will post this article again if you think Geno made The o line or offense look bad:

Seahawks 2024 Grade Card: How Did Geno Smith, QBs Perform?

Turnovers withstanding, Geno Smith did a fine job navigating challenging circumstances to remain highly productive for the Seahawks in 2024.

www.si.com

...

Did you know that since week 8, Sam and our offense is ranked 29th in the redzone? With a better o line, better RBs, and a legit OC... We are 29th since defenses figure out how to play Sam. Our TD to INT ration over that span is 1-1 as well. Geno has been labeled A redzone disaster, for one horrid season under Grubb. Waldron was fired by Chicago in large part why? Because he was horrible in the redzone. Grubb? Fired for that and more.

Geno was great in the redzone (in terms of TD / TO) until Grubb. I think something like 32 TDs against maybe 5 iNTs with Waldron.

As far as O line, Geno's worst year in Seattle came last year. Did we all forget that we lost both of our starting Tackles to injury right out of the gate? If Cross and Lucas went down for an extended stretch with Sam at QB and he struggled, it would be expected, 100%.

A quote from Advanced stats:
Geno Smith has faced an NFL-high 93 pressures that were charted as: a) originally "blocked" and b) still became a pressure on the QB within 2.5 seconds. That means the Seahawks are identifying who to block and they instantly can't hold up. All game long.

The ONLY thing that made our offenses over the last few years work was Geno Smith. If you disagree, then what other outstanding aspects of our teams in 2022, 2023 and most of 2024 were carrying us? Our bottom ranked run game? Our bottom ranked O line? Our bottom ranked Defenses? That's an honest, sincere question.

Pressure under 2.5 seconds is not a QB problem.

You don't almost lead the league in accuracy and the ability to get the ball out quickly in Grubb's abomination of an offense unless you know what you are doing. Especially when your pass pro is bottom 5 ( and Genos rating under pressure was top 10 in the league last year and was near that if not better in years prior). So how can you pin the O lines issues on the QB who more often than not, gets the ball out quickly and also Perennially is near the top of the league in accuracy? Was he perfect, hell no. But the amount of hate the dude received without account for the situation around him is remarkable.

I never liked Geno's pouting.

I think he often came across as an entitled, borderline punk. And I didn't like Pete's coddling of him anymore than I like it when Russ was the beneficiary. And that coddling is exactly what landed Geno where he is rather than manning up and realizing the opportunity he had in front of him. His immaturity and lack of judgement landed him in a black hole in Vegas that he may never recover from. And that's too bad, because there were a very very few around the league who even after how predictable and un-NFL Grubb's offense was, thought Geno was anywhere near as bad as some folks on .net claim.

 

[keasley45]

I have a feeling Sam is going to have a really good game. I feel like the entire team is going to make a statement tonight.

As much as I know pounding the rock, milking the clock and playing suffocating defense is the recipe for success, I am hoping we put up 45 - 28 through the air. If we only win by 42, that's fine.

 

[hangumhi]

It's just gameday jitters, but I can't help but think sam is saying he has an oblique injury as a safeguard in the event the game doesn't go his way. He has SO much on the line. It would make sense for him to build in a safety net. If he plays poorly today his image as an nfl player is solidified as someone who can't win in high stakes games. His whole career will be defined by this game of he plays poorly and we lose. Sorry for the negativity, I'm just nervous and feeling conspiratory.

 

[hawkfan68]

First. Yeah, Geno made some dumb ass plays. But the degree it became an exercise of just flatly blaming every INT or sack on him was rediculous. It was patent 'assumed guilty' before any inquiry.

Again, when I defend Geno I get blasted, so I will post this article again if you think Geno made The o line or offense look bad:

Seahawks 2024 Grade Card: How Did Geno Smith, QBs Perform?

Turnovers withstanding, Geno Smith did a fine job navigating challenging circumstances to remain highly productive for the Seahawks in 2024.

www.si.com

...

Did you know that since week 8, Sam and our offense is ranked 29th in the redzone? With a better o line, better RBs, and a legit OC... We are 29th since defenses figure out how to play Sam. Our TD to INT ration over that span is 1-1 as well. Geno has been labeled A redzone disaster, for one horrid season under Grubb. Waldron was fired by Chicago in large part why? Because he was horrible in the redzone. Grubb? Fired for that and more.

Geno was great in the redzone (in terms of TD / TO) until Grubb. I think something like 32 TDs against maybe 5 iNTs with Waldron.

As far as O line, Geno's worst year in Seattle came last year. Did we all forget that we lost both of our starting Tackles to injury right out of the gate? If Cross and Lucas went down for an extended stretch with Sam at QB and he struggled, it would be expected, 100%.

A quote from Advanced stats:
Geno Smith has faced an NFL-high 93 pressures that were charted as: a) originally "blocked" and b) still became a pressure on the QB within 2.5 seconds. That means the Seahawks are identifying who to block and they instantly can't hold up. All game long.

The ONLY thing that made our offenses over the last few years work was Geno Smith. If you disagree, then what other outstanding aspects of our teams in 2022, 2023 and most of 2024 were carrying us? Our bottom ranked run game? Our bottom ranked O line? Our bottom ranked Defenses? That's an honest, sincere question.

Pressure under 2.5 seconds is not a QB problem.

You don't almost lead the league in accuracy and the ability to get the ball out quickly in Grubb's abomination of an offense unless you know what you are doing. Especially when your pass pro is bottom 5 ( and Genos rating under pressure was top 10 in the league last year and was near that if not better in years prior). So how can you pin the O lines issues on the QB who more often than not, gets the ball out quickly and also Perennially is near the top of the league in accuracy? Was he perfect, hell no. But the amount of hate the dude received without account for the situation around him is remarkable.

I never liked Geno's pouting.

I think he often came across as an entitled, borderline punk. And I didn't like Pete's coddling of him anymore than I like it when Russ was the beneficiary. And that coddling is exactly what landed Geno where he is rather than manning up and realizing the opportunity he had in front of him. His immaturity and lack of judgement landed him in a black hole in Vegas that he may never recover from. And that's too bad, because there were a very very few around the league who even after how predictable and un-NFL Grubb's offense was, thought Geno was anywhere near as bad as some folks on .net claim.

I'm comparing Geno as Seahawk to Sam as Seahawk. In 2024, Geno had pocket time of 2.4. Same as Sam Darnold has this season.

Geno - https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00.htm#all_passing_advanced (Geno had 2.4 pocket time from 2022-24)
Sam - https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DarnSa00.htm#all_passing_advanced (it's tied for the least amount of pocket time Sam has had in his career)

Also better rbs? The top rbs currently are the same as Geno had in 2023 -2024. In 2023, Ken Walker ran for 905 yds and Charbonnet ran for 462 yds. In 2022, Ken Walker ran for 1050 yards which is almost the same total he had this season. The OC/OL coaches are different in 2025. So that helped.

The team with Sam at QB is averaging 6 points more per game than they did with Geno at the helm. That's a td more. That helps increase wins and losses. In 2023, the Seahawks offense were worse at 21.4 points per game. That is 7 points lower than this season's 28.4 points per game. With Darnold, the Seahawks are scoring more tds per game. That is also a big difference in why they have 14 wins this season and #1 seed.

 

[hawkfan68]

It's just gameday jitters, but I can't help but think sam is saying he has an oblique injury as a safeguard in the event the game doesn't go his way. He has SO much on the line. It would make sense for him to build in a safety net. If he plays poorly today his image as an nfl player is solidified as someone who can't win in high stakes games. His whole career will be defined by this game of he plays poorly and we lose. Sorry for the negativity, I'm just nervous and feeling conspiratory.

Based on what I've seen from Sam, he doesn't strike me as a person who would do something like this. Someone who needs to make things up to protect himself from playing poorly few days before a game.

 

[glenwo2]

It's just gameday jitters, but I can't help but think sam is saying he has an oblique injury as a safeguard in the event the game doesn't go his way. He has SO much on the line. It would make sense for him to build in a safety net. If he plays poorly today his image as an nfl player is solidified as someone who can't win in high stakes games. His whole career will be defined by this game of he plays poorly and we lose. Sorry for the negativity, I'm just nervous and feeling conspiratory.

Just stop.

I've followed Sam since his Jets days and getting beat down every day of every season there makes you humble real fast.

And he's been humbled every day for just about his entire career.

Don't mistake him for some primadonna who seeks excuses for his failures.


Also, I'm still not convinced that this isn't some smokescreen to fool Saleh into stacking the box and "forcing" Darnold with his "injury" to beat him.

 

[soxhawk]

It's just gameday jitters, but I can't help but think sam is saying he has an oblique injury as a safeguard in the event the game doesn't go his way. He has SO much on the line. It would make sense for him to build in a safety net. If he plays poorly today his image as an nfl player is solidified as someone who can't win in high stakes games. His whole career will be defined by this game of he plays poorly and we lose. Sorry for the negativity, I'm just nervous and feeling conspiratory.

You and Ryan Grant

 

[Rat]

The league takes faking things for the injury report very seriously. I can't imagine Sam is that dumb.

Also, if he's faking to hedge bets with the "story" if he loses, then he's already lost.

Occam's Razor, he's probably actually slightly hurt. Hopefully it doesn't affect him negatively tonight.