Geno Smith (right) and Drew Lock Jun 7, 2022; Renton, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) receives a shotgun snap in front of quarterback Drew Lock (2) during minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has played better this season than almost anyone expected.

So Seahawks coach Pete Carroll’s remarks Wednesday about the team’s quarterback situation turned some heads.

“He’s doing everything we could ask of him right now,” Carroll said (via The Athletic). “It’s good, too, that he’s got Drew (Lock) nipping at his heels every day in practice. Every day in practice, Drew does stuff. He’s got good stuff going right there in support of what Geno does.

“It just keeps everybody on their toes. It’s the whole thing about competition; it’s good and we like (that) it continues to be this way.”

Those are some nice compliments for backup quarterback Drew Lock’s role on the team since being acquired as part of the trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Yet it’s not a stretch to say some people — perhaps even Smith — might hear those remarks and wonder if there is a quarterback competition brewing in Seattle.

Smith, who spent two seasons backing up Wilson in Seattle, beat out Lock for the starting position this preseason. Even then, Carroll’s comments about the 25-year-old Lock were full of praise.

“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,” Carroll said in late August. “And he’s going to keep growing and pushing and developing as a fantastic player and I have no problem playing with him, too.

“So, we’re fortunate to have two guys who can go, and when he comes off the bench, if he gets his chance he’ll be ready to go and try to light it up.”

Smith has played extremely well thus far, throwing for 1,305 yards and nine touchdowns in five starts for Seattle (2-3). His QBR (total quarterback rating) of 74.8 ranks fourth in the NFL.

His performance led many to question Carroll’s “nipping at his heels” phrase.

 

https://twitter.com/GregDArmstrong/status/1580248494174265345

[The Athletic]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.