In a heartbreaking 26-20 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith took full responsibility for his three costly interceptions that ultimately sealed his team’s fate. The veteran signal-caller, who has been a revelation for the Seahawks this season, apologized to his teammates, the organization, and the city for his performance.
“First of all, I just want to really start out by apologizing to my teammates, to the city, to the organization,” Smith said in his postgame press conference. “They put a lot of trust in me with my decision-making and when they put the ball in my hands, when my teammates play the way they played today and give us a shot to win the game, I’ve got to make sure. Things I did today, mistakes that I made, they affected us negatively, and really cost us the game today.”
A Closer Look at Smith’s Interceptions
Smith’s first interception wasn’t entirely his fault, as the ball bounced off receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s hands. However, his second and third picks proved to be more costly.
The Pick-Six
With the score tied at 13-13 in the fourth quarter, Smith threw off his back foot on first-and-goal from the 6-yard line. The pass was intercepted by Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, who returned it 103 yards for a touchdown. According to a close source, Smith admitted he held the ball too long and should have thrown it away sooner.
The Game-Sealing Interception
Despite the pick-six, the Seahawks had a chance to tie the game after blocking a Rams punt. However, Smith was intercepted again by Kinchens at the 4-yard line, this time targeting tight end AJ Barner, who got held up while running a route across the formation.
“Trying to get the ball to AJ, thought he was going to slip through there and it didn’t happen,” Smith explained. “I thought he got grabbed but again, that’s not an excuse. The ball’s in my hands. I get the chance to make a decision and ultimately my decisions affect everybody, not just myself, and so I’ve got to be better.”
– Geno Smith
Smith’s Resiliency and Accountability
Despite the costly turnovers, Smith displayed his resiliency by leading the Seahawks on a game-tying touchdown drive late in regulation. He went 4 of 6 for 76 yards and had an 11-yard scramble, ultimately connecting with Smith-Njigba for a 14-yard touchdown to send the game into overtime.
Throughout his postgame press conference, Smith emphasized his accountability and his desire to improve. “I’m not just saying that to say it. I really know that I can be better. It hurts me, man. It hurts me that I wasn’t able to get it done today,” he said.
Looking Ahead for the Seahawks
The loss drops the Seahawks to 4-5 on the season, with a 2-4 record at home. According to ESPN Research, they are only the second team in the last 10 seasons to start 3-0 and fall to 4-5 or worse through nine games. Head coach Mike Macdonald promised fans that the team is doing everything it can to play better at home moving forward.
As for Smith, he remains determined to lead his team to success despite the setback. “As long as we’ve got a shot, as love as I’ve got a shot, I’m going to keep fighting. That’s just the way I am. That’s how I’m wired. I don’t know no other way, and I’m really hurting,” he said.
The Seahawks will look to bounce back next week as they host the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals in a crucial divisional matchup. With the playoff race heating up, every game becomes increasingly important for Smith and his teammates as they aim to keep their postseason hopes alive.
