Seahawks & Geno Smith: Playoffs-or-Bust Approach Next Season?
Geno Smith had a superb year for the Seattle Seahawks. In truth, no one saw it coming. After being on the Seahawks' roster as a backup to Russell Wilson since 2020, Smith finally got his shot last year ... and he didn't waste it.
Smith earned his first-ever Pro Bowl nod, threw for 4,282 yards (franchise record), 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading Seattle to a 9-8 record and second place in the NFC West.
Oh, and he also won NFL Comeback Player of the Year. That's some kind of season and he was rewarded as such with a shiny new contract.
So...
What can we expect from Smith next season?
After his efforts as a full-time starter last year, a playoff berth is likely the starting point. Given the NFC West isn't the gauntlet many once thought, the Seahawks are in a position to push the San Francisco 49ers for the division next season.
Smith's two biggest offensive weapons in D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, are sticking around (both had over 1,000 receiving yards and over five touchdowns last season), and rookie running back Kenneth Walker III will have another year in the NFL system and is expected to improve on his excellent rookie season.
It is hard not to like what coach Pete Carroll and the Seahawks' front office have done this offseason. Will Smith be able to improve on his record-breaking season last year? (He set franchise records for completions, passing attempts, and completion percentage).
It feels like a tall order, but isn't out of reach,
With the franchise making all the right moves ahead of the draft and keeping most of Smith's offensive weapons, Seattle can build on what was accomplished last year.
With Geno at the wheel, playoffs aren't a hope anymore. They're now an expectation.
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