I’m positive you’re all effectively conscious by now that I’m a little bit of an optimist, and I do know the 12s effectively sufficient to know that this drives a few of you loopy.
I’m not delusional, although. In fact, I would like the Seattle Seahawks to win the Tremendous Bowl, however you don’t purchase a lottery ticket anticipating to win. Indisputably, this workforce is sweet sufficient that on any given Sunday, something is feasible, however for now, they’re nonetheless unburdened by the grandiose expectations of the sporting world. In truth, I’m so effing enthusiastic about this season, simply as I’ve been for each earlier season for so long as I can bear in mind. I’m excited as a result of I absolutely anticipate this soccer workforce to be a lot enjoyable to observe.
The vitality surrounding this workforce proper now could be palpable, and lots of the gamers have greatness on their minds. They’re shopping for into the brand new system, they’re shopping for into one another, and a model new tradition is rising. Naturally, when a brand new tradition emerges, so too, do it’s leaders, however like George Washington changing into the primary president of the US, it was a foregone conclusion that quarterback and elder statesman Geno Smith could be the de facto chief on this new period. Granted although it could be, the chance isn’t being taken with no consideration.
The 2-time Professional Bowler has taken a highway far much less traveled to changing into a franchise quarterback, however he is aware of his journey is way from over.
“I’m nonetheless getting higher,” mentioned the 33-year previous Smith, “I’ve made leaps and bounds bodily, I’m nonetheless getting stronger at my age. I don’t know if that’s uncommon or not, however that’s one thing I’m doing. I’ve gotten quicker, I don’t assume I’ve ever thrown the ball pretty much as good as I’m proper now.”
“I work arduous and I push myself, and I’m seeing the enhancements inside myself. The surface noise by no means bothered me and by no means will; I do know internally what I can do, and I do know I’m nonetheless not a completed product,” He continued.
New head coach Mike MacDonald had this to say about his quarterback, “We’re pushing him to take the subsequent step as a soccer participant and as a pacesetter, and he’s answering the decision. I’m actually enthusiastic about Geno up up to now. I’ve such a respect for a way arduous this man works at his craft.”
“I’ve gotten higher at each single factor. Together with management, all these issues have gotten to get higher, and I’m going to take it day-to-day, that’s type of my mindset,” mentioned Geno.
Geno Smith, at first of his third coaching camp as #Seahawks’ beginning QB: “I’ve gotten higher in each, single factor. Together with management.”
He additionally mentioned at 33 “happening 34,” he’s quicker, stronger—and smarter.
He retains his thoughts sharp by taking part in chess. @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/EuxtCkFtFJ
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) July 26, 2024
Defensive sort out Jarran Reed would cosign Geno’s statements, saying “Geno appears nice, man. He seemed nice final yr. He appears so centered this yr. His timing is sweet. His reads are good. Every part he’s doing proper now could be elite.”
Jarran Reed on dealing with Geno Smith in camp this yr: “Every part he’s doing is elite. He’s on an elite stage proper now .” pic.twitter.com/14XxkFkrMi
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) July 26, 2024
Just a few days in the past when the information broke that Geno was lacking follow resulting from a knee/hip concern, I wasn’t overly involved. He was nonetheless strolling round, and neither his physique language, nor the general vibe of the workforce steered there was a lot to be involved about. Then, when he was held out for a second follow, and subsequently had imaging completed to see what the injury was, a way of dread began to creep in. The likelihood that this season is probably not a lot enjoyable in spite of everything, now felt actual. I don’t intend to disparage Sam Howell or PJ Walker in any manner, however the utter lack of hype popping out of coaching camp doesn’t encourage optimism.
All of a sudden, it appeared apparent that Geno Smith was not simply the de facto chief, however the coronary heart and soul of this workforce. Whichever manner he goes, the workforce goes to comply with, and Geno is aware of precisely which route he’s heading. The arrogance he has in himself is a direct results of the effort and time he’s put into himself and his craft, and his coaches and teammates share that confidence. That’s the reason he’s the point of interest of Ryan Grubb’s model new offense, and probably the most important a part of its success.
Once more, I’m optimistic; I consider this workforce could be particular. I feel the protection has loads of potential to win some video games on it’s personal accord, and within the occasion that Geno needed to miss some video games, with the overabundance of expertise surrounding Howell and/or PJ Walker, certainly both of them are able to pulling off a feat much like what Drew Lock did to the Philadelphia Eagles final season. If one way or the other Geno needed to miss numerous video games, although… Effectively I suppose the optimist in me would ultimately be fairly thrilled about an early first spherical decide within the 2025 NFL Draft.
When it was reported that nothing of concern was discovered throughout the imaging, the sigh of reduction that washed over me, and so many others, was profound. It actually doesn’t matter when you assume Geno Smith isn’t the reply, the query was rhetorical. It’s scientifically verifiable that the offense as an entire lacks a sure je ne sais quoi (Geno sais quoi?) with out him.
You and I don’t play the sport, so it’s comprehensible when you don’t absolutely comprehend each little element and nuance of this extremely complicated sport, however when you assume Geno Smith can’t lead his workforce to a Tremendous Bowl however Brock Purdy can, then you definately simply don’t know ball.