Is Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith 'Getting Better' At Avoiding Sacks?

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has drawn the ire of 12's due to him holding onto the football longer than he should, but former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus thinks that criticism isn't warranted.

Dec 24, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) is sacked by / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has divided opinion among the fanbase since taking over from Russell Wilson at the beginning of the 2022 season. Smith showed his qualities in 2022, leading the franchise to the playoffs, but he has also shown inconsistencies that have left fans frustrated.

In particular, Geno some see holding onto the football a second longer than he needs to and taking an unnecessary sack. While that narrative has been around for the last 12 months or so, Smith was actually sacked less in 2023 (31) compared to 2022 (46).

As such, former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus thinks the suggestion that Smith holds onto the football too long is unfair. He also stated that Smith had a troubled offensive line last year, which likely didn't help.

“You go ahead and get yourself a Troy Fautanu (in the draft) and move him to the guard,” Bumpas said on Seattle Sports' Bump and Stacy. “You go ahead and bring these veteran linemen in to help Geno with this offensive line, and the stats say he’s probably going to get better. So yes, you look at Geno, he held the football at times. People yelling he’s taking unnecessary sacks, he’s getting better at that. And that’s with a line that was mixed up. I think we can pump the brakes just a little bit when it comes to Geno holding the rock.”

Offensive line is one of the key area's that the Seahawks have to improve in free agency and the draft due to multiple players leaving. Damien Lewis (Panthers) and Evan Brown (Cardinals) have left holes in Geno's protection that must be sorted out.

Dec 24, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) is sacked by / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks general manager John Schneider admitted to a "fairly obvious" need at offensive line last week, which hints at a strong focus to get the unit in better shape as we edge closer to training camp.

Luckily for Seattle, this year's draft class is stacked with offensive line talent. Holding the No. 16 overall pick, the Seahawks could address a serious need in the first round.

Smith has been criticized for taking unnecessary sacks and while that number was down in 2023, the chopping and changing to his offensive likely didn't help matters.

But with a clear need and the franchise knowing the unit has to get better, more additions are likely on the way.

Many hope that this will result in Smith taking fewer sacks and putting his team in better positions to win football games on a more consistent basis.