Geno Smith Efficient in First Preseason Appearance for Seahawks

As he hopes to follow up his strong 2022 season with an even better one this year, Geno Smith experienced his first taste of 2023 game action in the Seahawks preseason game on Saturday night.

Smith, who sat out Seattle’s first preseason game, got the start against the Cowboys. It wasn’t a long night for the reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year, but it was an efficient one. Smith had only one incompletion, completing five out of his six pass attempts for 46 yards and an average of 7.7 yards per pass. He also ran ran for a couple yards on the ground.

Executions are high for Smith in his second full season as Seattle’s starting quarterback. After winning a training camp battle to take over for the departed Russell Wilson last year, Smith ended up putting together a storybook season that earned him a big new contract.

Geno Smith After Signing New Deal with Seahawks: ‘I Believe in Team’

But unlike last season, Smith won’t be sneaking up on anyone. He was ranked as one of the top 100 NFL players by his peers and earned a rating good enough for a spot just outside the top 10 quarterbacks on Madden. This all comes after leading the Seahawks to the playoffs, making the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career and accomplishing some history along the way.

Geno Smith Makes NFL’s Top 100 List for 2023

The WVU legend is coming off a season in which he threw for 4,282 yards with 30 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. He completed a league-leading 69.8% of his passes, posted an 100.9 rating overall and also ran for 366 yards and scored a touchdown on the ground. Smith’s individual success allowed the Seahawks to reach the postseason as a Wild Card.

At one point, Smith’s season reached historic levels in terms of efficiency, tying an NFL record for the most consecutive games completing at least 60% of his passes and doing it with an 80 or better rating. The only other quarterbacks to ever be that consistent efficient for as many games in a row in one season are Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers.

Ironically enough, Smith was able to watch another former Mountaineer quarterback from the sidelines on Saturday. Will Grier made another relief appearance under center for Cooper Rush, going two for four with 17 yards passing.

Will Grier Continues Fight for Roster Spot with Impressive Preseason Performance for Cowboys

While in Las Vegas at the Pro Bowl, Smith put his season into perspective during a chat with our Mike Asti.