Geno Smith wins Seahawks starting QB job for Week 1 opener vs Broncos
Aug 26, 2022, 9:19 PM | Updated: 9:19 pm
Seahawks QB Geno Smith looks to pass against the Jaguars during a game in 2021. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Seahawks officially have their No. 1 quarterback, as head coach Pete Carroll told reporters after Seattle’s 27-26 loss to Dallas in the preseason finale that Geno Smith has won the quarterback competition and will start Week 1 of the regular season.
Fast Facts: Lock throws 3 picks in 27-26 Seahawks loss to Cowboys
Smith, 31, is entering his fourth year with the Seahawks and has gotten the majority of the first-team reps at quarterback this offseason. He backed up Russell Wilson from 2019-21, and will now face off with Wilson come Week 1 when the Seahawks and Broncos face off on Monday Night Football on Sept. 12.
Smith beat out Drew Lock, who was part of the trade involving Wilson earlier this offseason. Lock spent most of the offseason running with the Seahawks’ second-team. Smith started all three preseason games for the Seahawks, completing 23 of his 39 passes for 256 yards. He also scored a rushing touchdown.
Smith played just one series against the Cowboys on Friday, completing three of six passes in a drive that ended with a Seattle field goal.
“Geno’s going to start. He’s going to start the opener,” Carroll said Friday night. “He’s earned it. He’s won the job.”
Lock, who missed the second preseason game due to COVID-19, “just ran out of time” in the competition, Carroll said.
In the meantime, Carroll said, Lock has to continue to battle and grow because “he can play” and he needs to be ready “at a moment’s call” to come in and play for the Seahawks this season.
“I have no problem playing him, too. We’re fortunate to have two guys who can go,” Carroll said. “So when he comes off the bench if he gets his chance, he’ll be ready to go so he can light it up.”
Carroll said Smith has just kept earning the starting role as he’s faced competition in practices and the preseason.
“Geno just knows our stuff, and he does really well and he can manage everything that we’re doing and he’s good about the football,” Carroll said. “He’ll give us the bets chance to be playing great football right off the bat.”
