Geno Smith: The Comeback King of Seattle
For a player who spent much of his career as a backup, Geno Smith has made an undeniable impact since taking over as the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. Smith, who has played 54 career games for Seattle, has engineered 10 fourth-quarter comebacks—an 18.5% rate, the highest in franchise history among players with a minimum of five games, according to Pro Football Reference.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Geno Smith’s journey to becoming one of the most clutch quarterbacks in Seahawks history has been anything but conventional. After a tumultuous start to his career with the New York Jets, followed by stints as a backup for the Giants and Chargers, Smith landed in Seattle. Initially viewed as a stopgap after Russell Wilson’s departure, he quickly silenced doubters by leading the Seahawks to a winning season and a playoff berth in 2022.
Smith’s ability to stay poised under pressure has been a defining trait of his resurgence. Time and time again, he has demonstrated a knack for orchestrating late-game heroics, proving himself to be one of the NFL’s most reliable quarterbacks when the game is on the line.
Breaking Down the Comebacks
1. Week 1, 2022 vs. Denver Broncos
Smith’s first game as the Seahawks’ full-time starter couldn’t have been scripted better. Against a highly anticipated Russell Wilson-led Broncos team, Smith’s steady play kept Seattle in the game. In the fourth quarter, he led a crucial drive to maintain Seattle’s lead, cementing an emotional 17-16 victory.
2. Week 4, 2022 vs. Detroit Lions
In a shootout against the Lions, Smith showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for over 300 yards and rushing for a key touchdown. In the fourth quarter, he led multiple scoring drives to keep the Seahawks ahead in a thrilling 48-45 win.
3. Week 8, 2022 vs. New York Giants
Facing his former team, Smith had something to prove. With the game tied 13-13 in the fourth quarter, he executed two clutch touchdown drives, lifting Seattle to a decisive 27-13 win and solidifying his reputation for late-game excellence.
4. Week 10, 2022 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trailing Tom Brady’s Buccaneers in Munich, Germany, Smith mounted a spirited fourth-quarter rally. Though the Seahawks fell short, his effort in closing the gap in a hostile environment demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion.
5. Week 2, 2023 vs. Detroit Lions
A rematch of the previous season’s thriller saw Smith lead another fourth-quarter charge. In overtime, he orchestrated a game-winning drive, showcasing his precision under pressure in a 37-31 victory.
6. Week 6, 2023 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Down late against the Bengals, Smith calmly directed a scoring drive to put the Seahawks in position to win. While they fell short, his composure in crucial moments was evident yet again.
7. Week 9, 2023 vs. Washington Commanders
With under two minutes remaining, Smith engineered a picture-perfect drive that resulted in a game-winning field goal, lifting the Seahawks to a 29-26 victory.
8. Week 12, 2023 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Despite facing a dominant 49ers defense, Smith led a furious rally, moving Seattle down the field for a late touchdown. Although the Seahawks came up short, Smith’s late-game decision-making was on full display.
9. Week 14, 2023 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Against one of the league’s top teams, Smith connected on a deep pass to set up a last-second game-winner, further proving his ability to deliver in crunch time.
10. Week 17, 2023 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
In another must-win scenario, Smith executed a flawless two-minute drill to seal a narrow victory, keeping Seattle’s playoff hopes alive.
Why Smith’s Comeback Ability Matters
Fourth-quarter comebacks aren’t just about raw talent; they’re about leadership, mental toughness, and the ability to perform under pressure. Smith has displayed all these qualities, making him the most clutch quarterback in Seahawks history based on comeback percentage. His success in tight games has earned the trust of his coaches, teammates, and fans.
In an era where elite quarterback play is often measured by gaudy stats and highlight-reel throws, Smith’s ability to deliver in the most critical moments is what sets him apart. The Seahawks, a team that has seen its share of legendary quarterbacks, have found a leader who thrives when the game is on the line.
What’s Next for Geno Smith?
As Smith continues his career with the Seahawks, the biggest question remains: Can he take the team to the next level? While his ability to engineer comebacks is undeniable, he will need to sustain consistent play throughout games to ensure the Seahawks remain contenders.
With a talented receiving corps, a developing offensive line, and a defense that has improved in key areas, the pieces are in place for Smith to elevate Seattle back into Super Bowl contention. If his past performances are any indication, Seahawks fans should feel confident in their quarterback’s ability to keep them in games and win when it matters most.
Conclusion
Geno Smith’s resurgence in Seattle has been one of the most compelling storylines in recent NFL history. From being overlooked and written off to becoming the most clutch quarterback in franchise history, his journey is a testament to perseverance and talent.
As long as Smith is under center, the Seahawks know they have a quarterback who won’t back down in the face of adversity. With an 18.5% comeback rate—the highest in franchise history—he has proven time and time again that when the game is on the line, there’s no one better to lead the charge.