Is Geno Smith or Drew Lock more likely to start?

By: Jake Rajala

The Seattle Seahawks have reunited with Geno Smith on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million dollars. Smith filled in as the starting quarterback for a portion of the 2021 season when Russell Wilson injured his finger in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. Smith went 1-2 in his three starts last season, but he was an efficient, improved QB. The former New York Jets QB threw 5 touchdowns, 1 interception, and recorded a 68.4%. He had a very impressive moment in the Monday Night contest against the Saints, where he unleashed an 84-yard touchdown strike to DK Metcalf. Unfortunately, the Seahawks lost the MNF utterly rainy thriller.

Smith has the arm talent and he’s improved his turnover habits, but does he have a high ceiling? Smith wasn’t necessarily clutch in big-time moments in 2021. He coughed up the football against the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime, which led to an easy Steelers victory. Smith was also mediocre against the LA Rams, as he notched 131 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Although, he has shown to be a capable game manager. He was efficient against the Saints in the tough matchup and he still led the Seahawks to the overtime against the T.J. Watt-led Steelers.

So, how does Smith exactly compare to Lock? Well, Lock has been less impressive than Smith in recent memory. The former Broncos rookie sensation lost the starting QB spot to Teddy Bridgewater last season. He’s been 4-12 over his 16 previous matchups. Lock may be 25 years old and holding a slice of magic from his 4-1 record in his 2019 campaign, but he’s been vastly trending in the opposite direction from Smith.

It’s also puzzling that Lock has failed to utilize the talent in Denver, such as Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Tim Patrick. It’s far from certain that Lock will have mystic growth with the superb Seahawks weapons. With that said, I believe there is more reason to believe a motivated, familar Smith will rise to become the QB1 in Seattle.

If Smith can go toe to toe against the mighty Saints and aggressive Steelers, I believe the more prepared QB can turn heads in 2022 against pedestrian competition and have a career resurgence. The 2021 game manager Teddy Bridgewater edged out Drew Lock and cranked out a 7-7 record. Similarly, I could see the more polished 31-year-old Smith receiving the keys to his beloved offense and being the “bridge QB” next season.