Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith suffered an injury in Sunday’s primetime 30-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. He did not return and was replaced by backup Sam Howell. Before Smith exited, he made an error in judgment that has him leading the league in a not-so-great stat.
Trailing 17-3 in the second quarter, the Seahawks had strung together a quality 11-play drive that gained 53 yards and reached Green Bay’s 12-yard line. Facing a 3rd-and-9 in the red zone, Smith backpedaled in the pocket as he was under pressure from a fierce pass rush. Smith heaved a desperation ball towards Noah Fant in the end zone. It was intercepted by Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine.
The @packers get the red zone INT thanks to Carrington Valentine!
📺: #GBvsSEA on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/utG0qOJjKA— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024
It was Smith’s fourth interception of the season on a throw into the end zone, per ESPN Research. That ties Smith for the league-lead in that ill-advised category with Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston.
It marked a critical moment in the contest where the Seahawks could have pulled within one score of the Packers. Instead, possession went the other way. Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur’s offense would convert a field goal on the ensuing opportunity, extending their advantage to 20-3.
Smith has now thrown 14 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions this season. He’s been a starting-caliber quarterback for the Seahawks, but the untimely turnovers in the red zone are hurting Ryan Grubb’s offense. While awaiting an update on his health status, Smith needs to work on eliminating the backbreaking mistakes.
