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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Justin Melo

Watch Seahawks QB Geno Smith navigate pocket pressure vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks played a complete game in Sunday’s dominant 34-14 Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Starting quarterback Geno Smith especially played a clean game. Smith completed 18-of-28 passing attempts for 207 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Smith was sacked on just one occasion. It marked the second consecutive week the Seahawks have given up merely one quarterback takedown. Smith also didn’t commit a turnover for the third time this campaign.

That would insinuate the Seahawks’ offensive line put forth a terrific performance. For example, rookie right tackle Mike Jerrell has earned league-wide praise for his performance. He deserves that, but the overall showing from the offensive line wasn’t as good as the statline indicates.

Smith faced pressure on roughly 47% of his dropbacks, according to ESPN Stats & Info. That was the third-highest rate allowed in Week 7, per Brady Henderson, and would be second-highest in the league if that was Seattle’s season-long average. As seen below, Smith often avoided that pressure by navigating the pocket flawlessly.

Head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb are fortunate to have a pro like Smith operating the offense. It’s also worth acknowledging the Falcons are dead-last in sacks with six, so finishing has been a recurring problem for their defense. Regardless, Smith helped out the offensive line on Sunday.

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