Seahawks QB Geno Smith: Seattle's Biggest 'Red Flag'?

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith had a career year last season while leading his team to the playoffs. But what happens if he can't replicate his Pro Bowl form from a season ago?

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith took the NFL by storm last season. Taking over from Russell Wilson, little was expected from Smith or the Seahawks roster, but under their quarterback's guidance, a postseason appearance was the result.

Smith hit career-best numbers in passing yards (4,282), touchdowns (32), completion percentage as a full-time starter (69.8) and wins (nine) as he won the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year to go along with his Pro Bowl nod and several franchise single-season passing records.

But while many think Seattle is a bonafide NFC contender, that is all predicated on Smith at least replicating his efforts from a year ago ... so, what if he can't? 

For CBS Sports.com, that is the biggest "red flag" for the Seahawks as they enter the new season.

"Geno Smith was a magical story for the 2022 Seahawks, unexpectedly besting predecessor Russell Wilson in his most explosive NFL showing to date," CBS Sports writes. "Late in the year, however, his turnovers were an issue as Seattle relied a bit too heavily on his arm. With a new contract and no added QB competition, he's under pressure to replicate his breakout."

Seattle has upgraded a few positions around Smith, as rookies Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Zach Charbonnet come into the mix. Additionally, the offensive line led by Charles Cross is expected to be a better unit than last season.

But ultimately, it falls at the feet of Smith. If the Seahawks are to challenge the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC West and potentially the NFC, then Smith will need to play at a Pro Bowl level again.

If not, then question marks could be asked whether or not Smith is "the guy" going forward. 

A red flag? It has the potential to be. But surely Smith, after last season's efforts, deserves the benefit of the doubt that he isn't a one-season wonder.

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