The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in the midst of a pivotal season, and no player stands at the center of more scrutiny than quarterback Geno Smith. After a breakout 2022 campaign that earned him NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors and a three-year, $105 million contract extension, Smith has faced heightened expectations in 2023. As the regular season enters its final stretch, the next few weeks could be crucial in determining not only the Seahawks’ playoff fate but also Smith’s future as their franchise quarterback.
Smith’s 2023 season has been a tale of highs and lows. He has shown flashes of the brilliance that made him one of the NFL’s feel-good stories last year, but consistency has eluded him. Entering Week 16, Smith has thrown for 3,200 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, a performance that, while respectable, hasn’t matched the efficiency and precision of his 2022 campaign.
The Seahawks, sitting on the playoff bubble in a competitive NFC, need Smith to elevate his play during the closing stretch of the season. Their next few games include matchups against elite defenses and division rivals, creating a high-stakes scenario for the veteran quarterback.
For Smith, the closing stretch is about more than just making the playoffs—it’s about solidifying his place as Seattle’s long-term answer at quarterback. When the Seahawks extended him in the offseason, they structured the deal with flexibility, allowing the team to move on after 2024 with minimal financial repercussions. This means Smith is essentially playing on a year-to-year evaluation basis.
If Smith can guide the Seahawks to the playoffs and demonstrate the ability to perform under pressure, it will strengthen his case as a reliable leader for the future. Conversely, if his play falters and the Seahawks miss the postseason, the team could start to explore alternatives, including the 2024 NFL Draft, which features a deep class of quarterback prospects.
To secure his future, Smith will need to address several key areas in the final weeks of the season:
1. Decision-Making: Smith’s interceptions have been a concern, with several coming in critical moments. He must minimize turnovers and make smarter decisions, particularly in close games.
2. Consistency Under Pressure: Opposing defenses have ramped up their pressure on Smith, and his performance under duress has been inconsistent. Improving his pocket awareness and ability to extend plays will be essential.
3. **Clutch Performances**: The Seahawks have lost multiple games by one score this season, and Smith’s inability to close out games has drawn criticism. Leading game-winning drives in the coming weeks could shift the narrative in his favor.
While much of the spotlight is on Smith, his success in the closing stretch will also depend on the players around him. The Seahawks boast a talented receiving corps led by DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The trio provides Smith with the tools to stretch the field and attack defenses at every level.
Seattle’s offensive line, however, has been inconsistent, particularly in pass protection. Injuries have shuffled the unit throughout the season, and Smith has taken his fair share of hits. The Seahawks’ ability to protect their quarterback in these crucial games will significantly impact Smith’s performance.
On the defensive side, the Seahawks have shown improvement with key additions like Bobby Wagner’s veteran leadership and the emergence of rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon. If the defense can keep games close, it will give Smith more opportunities to deliver in critical moments.
The Seahawks’ remaining schedule features tough opponents, including divisional matchups with the San Francisco 49ers and a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. These games not only carry playoff implications but also provide Smith with a chance to prove himself against some of the NFL’s best teams.
Seattle head coach Pete Carroll remains optimistic about Smith’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“Geno’s been here before. He knows what it takes, and we believe in him,” Carroll said earlier this week. “This is the time of year where great players show what they’re made of.”
For Geno Smith, the closing stretch represents an opportunity to cement his legacy in Seattle. A strong finish could validate the Seahawks’ faith in him and set the stage for continued success in 2024 and beyond. On the other hand, a disappointing end to the season might lead the organization to consider its options at quarterback.
As the Seahawks fight for a playoff spot, Smith’s performance in these crucial weeks could determine not only the team’s immediate future but also the trajectory of his career. For now, the ball is in Geno’s hands—literally and figuratively.