NFL quarterbacks tend to get more than their fair share of both praise for team success and blame for team failure. QBWinz is not a reliable way to evaluate how a quarterback is playing. However, they do have a greater impact on the outcome than anybody else on the field, the sidelines or in the booth. That means Geno Smith bares the greatest burden for what’s gone wrong with the Seahawks over the last several games – namely an almost-total offensive implosion despite having some awesome talent.
Aside from a 29-point “outburst” against Jack Del Rio’s atrocious Commanders defense, (Del Rio has since been fired and Jason Myers accounted for 17 of those points) this unit has been underperforming in a bad way for a while now, especially since they got obliterated by the Ravens back in Week 9.
Smith can help matters by trusting routes and getting the ball out quicker. He could also stand to target his tight ends more and not throw into quite so many tight windows. However, this is the ultimate team game and Smith does need help from his supporting cast.
For one thing, he needs offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to make his job much easier than it is right now – especially against great pass rushing teams like the one they’ll face tonight in Dallas.
Smith also desperately needs better pass protection from his offensive line. The expected return of right tackle Abe Lucas tonight should at least help to some extent in that department.
Geno also needs his receivers to step up their game. Specifically, his No. 1 option over the last few seasons has been a bit off this year.
Earlier this week, DK Metcalf offered some ideas on how he and Seattle’s other receivers can help out their embattled quarterback. Here’s what he had to say, per Brady Henderson at ESPN.
“Catching the ball when it’s thrown to us and just making him right on some throws… Even though he puts it in our vicinity, we still can make the catch. We’re all elite receivers, so just approach it that way.”
Heading into Week 13, Metcalf has only totaled 43 receptions, 678 yards and three touchdowns. His catch rate is a career-low 53.8%, down exactly 10 points from last year.
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