As the Seattle Seahawks navigate the turbulent waters of the NFL season, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of quarterback Geno Smith’s remarkable mobility. While the team’s offensive line continues to struggle, Smith’s uncanny ability to evade pressure and make plays on the move has proven to be a critical lifeline for the Seahawks’ offense.
The Art of Evasion: Geno Smith’s Mobility on Display
In a recent victory against the Atlanta Falcons, Smith’s agility was on full display. Faced with relentless pressure from the Falcons’ pass rush, Smith showcased his ability to escape the pocket and find open receivers downfield. One particularly impressive play saw Smith duck under a defender, step up in the pocket, and deliver a precise throw to running back Kenneth Walker III for a touchdown.
“I felt like the guys fought a battle out there,” coach Mike Macdonald remarked after the game, acknowledging the challenges faced by the offensive line. “Geno was able to move and groove in the pocket if they were able to get immediate pressure. It’s something to build on, for sure.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
A closer look at the statistics reveals just how significant Smith’s mobility has been for the Seahawks. According to ESPN Research, Smith was pressured on nearly 47% of his dropbacks against the Falcons, the third-highest figure in Week 7. Despite this, the Seahawks allowed only one sack, a testament to Smith’s elusiveness and pocket presence.
Offensive Line Woes Continue
The Seahawks’ offensive line has been a point of concern throughout the season, ranking 28th in pass block win rate at a mere 52.2%. Injuries have played a significant role in the unit’s struggles, with right tackles George Fant and Abraham Lucas sidelined. The team has been forced to rely on backups and even fourth-stringers to fill the void.
“He played really hard,” Coach Macdonald said of rookie right tackle Michael Jerrell, who made his first NFL start against the Falcons. “There were just a couple of plays where he lost the reps, and that’s going to happen. But the guy played hard. The game wasn’t too big for him.”
Help on the Horizon?
While Smith’s mobility has been a saving grace for the Seahawks, the team eagerly awaits the return of their injured offensive linemen. Fant, who landed on injured reserve earlier in the season, could potentially return to practice this week, while Lucas’ comeback is on the horizon. Their presence would provide a much-needed boost to the beleaguered unit.
In the meantime, the Seahawks continue to rotate their young guards, with Anthony Bradford and Christian Haynes sharing snaps at right guard. While the team would prefer to have a single player emerge and build continuity, the competition appears to be driving both rookies to improve their game.
The Road Ahead
As the Seahawks prepare for a challenging matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Smith’s mobility will undoubtedly be put to the test once more. The Bills’ formidable defense, coupled with the Seahawks’ ongoing offensive line issues, will require Smith to be at his elusive best to keep the offense moving.
“It’s big time,” Coach Macdonald emphasized, speaking to the importance of Smith’s ability to extend plays. “When you are in your drop-back situation trying to get the ball to move down the field, if Geno can buy an extra click for the routes to develop and sit in there and make a great throw like he’s been doing, it really helps you get the ball down the field.”
As the season progresses, the Seahawks will need to find a balance between relying on Smith’s exceptional mobility and bolstering their offensive line. General manager John Schneider has acknowledged the league-wide shortage of quality offensive linemen, making it unlikely that the team will find an obvious upgrade before the trade deadline.
For now, the Seahawks’ playoff hopes rest on the shoulders of Geno Smith and his uncanny ability to make something out of nothing. As the team navigates the challenges ahead, Smith’s mobility will continue to be a key factor in their success, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.
The Seahawks’ offensive line has been a point of concern throughout the season, ranking 28th in pass block win rate at a mere 52.2%. Injuries have played a significant role in the unit’s struggles, with right tackles George Fant and Abraham Lucas sidelined. The team has been forced to rely on backups and even fourth-stringers to fill the void.
“He played really hard,” Coach Macdonald said of rookie right tackle Michael Jerrell, who made his first NFL start against the Falcons. “There were just a couple of plays where he lost the reps, and that’s going to happen. But the guy played hard. The game wasn’t too big for him.”
Help on the Horizon?
While Smith’s mobility has been a saving grace for the Seahawks, the team eagerly awaits the return of their injured offensive linemen. Fant, who landed on injured reserve earlier in the season, could potentially return to practice this week, while Lucas’ comeback is on the horizon. Their presence would provide a much-needed boost to the beleaguered unit.
In the meantime, the Seahawks continue to rotate their young guards, with Anthony Bradford and Christian Haynes sharing snaps at right guard. While the team would prefer to have a single player emerge and build continuity, the competition appears to be driving both rookies to improve their game.
The Road Ahead
As the Seahawks prepare for a challenging matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Smith’s mobility will undoubtedly be put to the test once more. The Bills’ formidable defense, coupled with the Seahawks’ ongoing offensive line issues, will require Smith to be at his elusive best to keep the offense moving.
“It’s big time,” Coach Macdonald emphasized, speaking to the importance of Smith’s ability to extend plays. “When you are in your drop-back situation trying to get the ball to move down the field, if Geno can buy an extra click for the routes to develop and sit in there and make a great throw like he’s been doing, it really helps you get the ball down the field.”
As the season progresses, the Seahawks will need to find a balance between relying on Smith’s exceptional mobility and bolstering their offensive line. General manager John Schneider has acknowledged the league-wide shortage of quality offensive linemen, making it unlikely that the team will find an obvious upgrade before the trade deadline.
For now, the Seahawks’ playoff hopes rest on the shoulders of Geno Smith and his uncanny ability to make something out of nothing. As the team navigates the challenges ahead, Smith’s mobility will continue to be a key factor in their success, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.
