After a ‘phenomenal’ training camp, Geno Smith is ready to lead the Seahawks’ offense

When Witherspoon was asked what Smith was good at this year, he quickly responded, “What wasn’t he good at this year?” is the question. He could break us down. He goes through all his reads. He changes plays when he needs to change plays. If he sees something, he’ll go out and hear it. He does everything an NFL quarterback should do, but the way he does it this year is different, especially in this offense.”

Added receiver DK Metcalf: “You can just see his confidence growing, just the way he throws the ball. It’s not looking at certain passes in practice, his confidence on the field, the way he talks. I think it’s going to be a fun year, just the way he’s approached this offseason and the way he’s carried himself this whole offseason.”

Players have repeatedly emphasized Smith’s form and how well he fits into Ryan Grubb’s offense throughout training camp, and his brief appearance in one series during the preseason hasn’t put those rumors to rest. Among the players singing his praises is Tyler Lockett, who has been with the team since Smith signed with the Seahawks in 2019.

“He was phenomenal,” Lockett said. “… He had the best camp I’ve ever seen. His attitude, he still has that dog mentality of, ‘I’ve got to go out there and grind, I’ve got to go out there and get it.’”

For Smith, some of his growth has come physically — he says he’s throwing the ball better than ever and running faster than ever — but he’s also become a bit softer than he was in 2022, thanks in part to the experience he gained in two years as a starter.

“I just feel more comfortable,” he said. “Third year, now I can go into the offseason and work on some things I needed to get better at from last season. Knowing you’re going to come in and be the starter, it helps you feel a little more comfortable. I think I’ve calmed down a little bit, I think I was maybe a little excited, especially my first year (as a starter) and last year. I just feel like I’ve calmed down overall and I think that just helps me be more calm when I’m out there.”