Seattle Seahawks' Early Season Struggles: Can Geno Smith Bounce Back?

The Seattle Seahawks kicked off their 2023 NFL season with high hopes, but after a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, questions are arising about the team's performance, especially concerning quarterback Geno Smith. In this article, we'll break down the key moments of the game, discuss the injuries to key players, and analyze the challenges the Seahawks face moving forward. Is it time to write off Geno Smith, or can he bounce back from this setback?

The Second Half Collapse

The Seahawks started the game with a six-point halftime lead, but the second half turned into a nightmare. They struggled on both offense and defense, allowing the Rams to score 23 unanswered points. Geno Smith, who had a strong first half, couldn't maintain the momentum he built up, and the offensive line issues became evident.

Injuries to Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas

One of the turning points in the game was the injury to starting left tackle Charles Cross. He left the game in the third quarter with a toe injury. While initial X-rays didn't show severe damage, further evaluation will be required to determine the extent of the injury. Abraham Lucas also suffered a knee issue during the game, further weakening the offensive line.

Offensive Line Troubles

The injuries to key offensive linemen significantly impacted the Seahawks' ability to protect Geno Smith. A viral video showed Geno Smith saying, "Oh my God," as Rams' star Aaron Donald rushed free at him. The constant pressure on Smith resulted in the Seahawks struggling to sustain drives. They were a mere 2-of-9 on third downs, a critical issue in the game.

Geno Smith's Regressed Performance

Geno Smith, who had an impressive 2022 season, struggled in Week 1. He completed just 16-of-26 passes for 112 yards with one touchdown. While Smith had shown incredible accuracy last year, this game exposed his difficulties under pressure.

Seattle's Offseason Moves

The Seahawks made several offseason moves that indicated they were in "wait and see" mode with Geno Smith. They drafted running back Zach Charbonnet and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the 2023 NFL Draft. Additionally, their trade of Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos signaled a shift in their offensive strategy, focusing more on the running game and the offensive line.

The Challenge Ahead

Looking ahead, the Seahawks face a tough matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. The Lions' strong offensive line and defense pose significant challenges, especially if the Seahawks' offensive line woes continue. The Lions' victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 demonstrated their competitiveness this season.

The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in a challenging situation early in the 2023 NFL season. The loss to the Rams highlighted weaknesses on both sides of the ball, particularly the offensive line and Geno Smith's performance under pressure. However, it's not time to write off Geno Smith just yet. The Seahawks need to address their offensive line issues and hope that Smith can regain his 2022 form. Their upcoming matchup against the Detroit Lions will be a critical test of their ability to bounce back and contend in the NFC. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Seahawks can right the ship and get their season back on track.