Title: Geno Smith and Seattle’s Regrets After Rams-Seahawks 25-30 Game
The Seattle Seahawks’ 25-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on October 7, 2021, was a bitter pill to swallow, not least because of the injury to their star quarterback Russell Wilson. However, the performance of backup quarterback Geno Smith, who stepped in for Wilson, was a silver lining amidst the gloom. Despite the loss, Smith’s performance has raised questions about the Seahawks’ game plan and whether they could have done things differently.
Geno Smith, a nine-year NFL veteran, was thrust into the spotlight when Wilson suffered a finger injury in the third quarter. Smith stepped up admirably, completing 10 of 17 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. He led the Seahawks on two scoring drives, including a 98-yard march that ended with a touchdown pass to DK Metcalf.
However, Smith’s impressive performance was marred by a crucial interception late in the game. With just over two minutes left and the Seahawks trailing by five, Smith was picked off by Rams cornerback Nick Scott. The turnover effectively ended the Seahawks’ hopes of a comeback victory.
Despite this costly error, Smith’s overall performance was commendable, especially considering he had not started a game since 2017. His poise and effectiveness in moving the offense raised questions about whether the Seahawks could have done more to secure a win.
One of the main regrets for the Seahawks will be their inability to capitalize on their opportunities. They had several chances to take control of the game but failed to do so. The Seahawks’ defense also struggled to contain the Rams’ offense, allowing 476 total yards.
Another regret will be their reliance on Wilson’s arm rather than their running game. Before his injury, Wilson had thrown 23 passes compared to just eight rushing attempts by the Seahawks. This imbalance in play-calling put more pressure on Wilson and, subsequently, on Smith when he came into the game.
The Seahawks’ coaching staff may also regret not giving Smith more support when he entered the game. While Smith performed admirably under the circumstances, the team could have done more to ease his transition, such as implementing more run plays or short, quick passes.
In conclusion, the Seahawks’ 25-30 loss to the Rams was a game of missed opportunities and regrets. While the performance of backup quarterback Geno Smith was a positive takeaway, it also highlighted areas where the Seahawks could have done better. As they look ahead to their next game, the Seahawks will need to learn from these mistakes and make the necessary adjustments.