In the 2022 season, the Seattle Seahawks pleasantly surprised many by securing a playoff spot, thanks to a standout performance from quarterback Geno Smith. Despite previously being considered a decent backup, Smith excelled, leading the league in completion percentage and earning his first Pro Bowl nod along with the Comeback Player of the Year award. However, his performance dipped in the following season, sparking debates about whether the team should keep him.
Despite the regression, the Seahawks chose to retain Smith, committing over $12 million for the upcoming season. Analyst Mina Kimes argued that Smith is not the root of Seattle’s issues, prompting a confident response from the quarterback, stating, “I’m only getting better.” While Smith earned another Pro Bowl selection in the subsequent year, his passing yards and touchdowns were notably lower than in 2022.
The Seahawks, finishing with a 9-8 record in 2023, mirrored their previous year’s performance but fell short of securing a playoff spot. Despite possessing strengths such as a formidable wide receiver duo in D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and the emergence of rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who made the Pro Bowl, the team faces challenges. The trade of franchise quarterback Russell Wilson before the 2022 campaign initially raised concerns, but the Seahawks have managed to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
However, the team finds itself in the challenging position of being competitive but not dominant. To reclaim their past success, particularly their Super Bowl win a decade ago, the Seahawks may need to make difficult decisions and address lingering issues.
