Seahawks decide to make Geno Smith starting QB for Week 1
The Seattle Seahawks are heading to their first season without Russell Wilson on the roster in a decade.
The change has shifted the dynamic in Seattle toward a new direction with another quarterback taking the helm. Drew Lock was envisioned as getting the first crack at filling the gaping void left by Wilson’s departure.
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However, backup Geno Smith has done enough to earn the starting job for Week 1 action of the 2022 season.
“He’s going to start the opener, and he’s earned it, he’s won the job,” Carroll said via NFL.com. “With the timeframes, it got messed up for us for Drew, he just ran out of time in making his bid for it. And so yeah, I’m cool about that, so I just want to let you know, so everybody knows, do you don’t have to ask me about it anymore. In the meantime, Drew’s going to keep on battling because he can play, and he’s got all kinds of stuff in him, and I want him to be ready at a moment’s call.”
Smith has performed well enough in training camp and the preseason to earn the starting job. Beyond that, his familiarity with the offensive game plan likely gave him a leg up in the competition.
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The 31-year-old has an opportunity to prove he can be a viable starting quarterback for the Seahawks. At the same time, Lock will have his chance to shine if Smith struggles.
It likely remains a fluid situation, but Smith will get the first shot to begin the 2022 campaign.
