In the aftermath of a tough loss, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith didn’t hold back in assessing his team’s performance. Speaking candidly about their struggles, Smith emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in areas like turnovers, penalties, and unforced errors. “Obviously, we did a lot of things you don’t want to do when you want to win a football game,” Smith remarked. “Turnovers, penalties, shooting yourself in the foot. We’re getting in our own way and gotta stop doing that.” His comments reflect a sense of urgency for the Seahawks as they aim to correct their mistakes and find consistency on the field.
A Frustrating Game for Seattle
The Seahawks’ recent performance was marred by a series of mistakes that proved costly in their matchup. Despite showing flashes of their potential, the team’s errors often disrupted their momentum. Turnovers, in particular, hindered the Seahawks’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, and the penalties further compounded their challenges, putting them in difficult situations throughout the game.
Geno Smith, now in his second year as the starting quarterback for Seattle, has become a vocal leader for the team. After the game, he was quick to take responsibility, acknowledging that the offense’s mistakes were critical to the outcome. “We can’t keep beating ourselves,” Smith said. “It’s about playing clean football, and that’s something we need to work on moving forward.”
Turnovers and Penalties: The Key Issues
Turnovers are often the difference between winning and losing in the NFL, and the Seahawks learned this the hard way. In their recent game, a few untimely interceptions and fumbles turned the tide against them. For Smith, avoiding these mistakes is about better decision-making and a greater focus on ball security. He emphasized that the team needs to be smarter with the football and make adjustments to minimize risks.
Penalties, too, have been a thorn in Seattle’s side. Whether it’s false starts, holding penalties, or pass interference calls, these infractions have stunted their drives and made it difficult to sustain momentum. Smith pointed out that some of the penalties were a result of mental lapses, adding, “We have to clean up the mental mistakes. It’s on all of us to stay disciplined and execute our assignments.”
A Season of Challenges for Geno Smith
Geno Smith’s journey as a starting quarterback in Seattle has been filled with ups and downs. After an impressive 2022 season that saw him lead the Seahawks back to the playoffs, expectations were high for 2023. Smith’s leadership and ability to stay calm under pressure have been vital to the team’s success, but inconsistency has been a recurring theme for the Seahawks this season.
Smith’s comments after the latest game reflect his awareness of the need for better execution, not just from himself but from the entire team. “It’s about taking accountability, and that starts with me,” he said. “As the quarterback, I have to make sure we’re moving in the right direction and that we’re cutting down on mistakes.”
Looking Forward: Areas for Improvement
As the Seahawks prepare for their next set of challenges, they know that turning things around will require a collective effort. Geno Smith’s focus on eliminating mistakes is a sentiment echoed by head coach Pete Carroll, who has emphasized the importance of discipline and attention to detail during practices.
One of the key areas for improvement is the offensive line’s performance. Protection breakdowns have occasionally put Smith in difficult positions, forcing him to rush throws or scramble under pressure. Improving pass protection would allow Smith more time to make plays and help the offense find its rhythm. Additionally, the coaching staff will likely work on simplifying the game plan to help reduce turnovers and penalties.
Smith is also aware that improving the team’s mental toughness will be crucial. In close games, the Seahawks will need to maintain their focus and avoid making the types of mistakes that have cost them in previous matchups. “We know what we’re capable of,” Smith noted. “We just have to put it all together and stay out of our own way.”
A Determined Team Ready for the Challenge
Despite the setbacks, there is a sense of determination in Geno Smith’s words. He understands that the season is long and that there is still time for the Seahawks to correct their course. His candid assessment of the team’s struggles shows a commitment to identifying problems and working on solutions.
For Seahawks fans, Smith’s leadership and willingness to address the team’s flaws offer a reason for optimism. The NFL season is filled with twists and turns, and while mistakes have hindered the team so far, there is still potential for Seattle to rebound and make a push for the playoffs.
Ultimately, the key will be whether the Seahawks can learn from their mistakes and execute better when it matters most. Geno Smith’s focus on improving the fundamentals—protecting the football, avoiding penalties, and playing smart football—will be crucial as they look to get back on track. With a leader like Smith at the helm, Seattle has a chance to overcome these challenges and achieve their goals for the season. As he put it, “We’ve got to stay positive, keep working, and make sure we’re playing our best football when it counts.”