Geno Smith had an interesting three-year run as the starter for the Seattle Seahawks. In his first game as QB1, he defeated the recently traded Russell Wilson and his new team, the Denver Broncos.
After the game, Smith was asked about becoming a starter after years of being a backup, and he uttered his famous line about not writing back to the haters.
Oddly, though, the relationship between Smith and Seahawks fans soured considerably. Because of that, 12s might love what they see from the quarterback in his first OTAs with his new team, the Las Vegas Raiders.
Seahawks fans might find Geno Smith's start with the Raiders hilarious
In his first practice with Las Vegas, he not only threw an interception on one of his first passes but two more after that. It would have been fitting if he had thrown all those picks in the red zone since his play on that part of the field crippled the Seahawks' hopes in 2024.
Smith led the league in red zone interceptions in 2024. His poor play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9 was likely enough to keep Seattle from making the postseason. He threw three interceptions in the game, but two came in the red zone.
Still, the slide in how much love he received from fans from Week 1 of 2022 to the end of his tenure with the Seahawks was precipitous. This was partly due to his easily aggravated reactions to comments, his blocking of people on social media, and his frustration with his teammates during games when things went south.
Smith often accepted blame for losses in post-game press conferences, but his attitude on the sidelines belied his comments afterward. 12s ultimately cared less about what he said and more about how he played. His decision-making in 2024 alone was inconsistent and often horrible.
But when a player requests to leave a team they are on, the pushback from fans is rightfully going to be great. Smith asked to be traded from Seattle this offseason, and general manager John Schneider obliged and shipped the quarterback to the Raiders.
Smith was reunited with former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll in the move. Carroll now holds the same position for the Raiders. Carroll never disparaged his former team, and his positive attitude and success in Seattle will cause many 12s always to wish him well.
Many might hope the head coach succeeds with Las Vegas, as long as he isn't coaching directly against the Seahawks. Those same good luck wishes do not apply to Geno Smith, though. He wanted out, and based on his start with the Raiders, 12s should be happy he is gone.
