Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll seems content with quarterback Geno Smith suiting up as the starter for Week 1.
The departure of former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson leaves a massive hole at the position and signifies a franchise ready to enter rebuilding mode.
Smith will be competing with fellow quarterbacks Jacob Eason and newcomer Drew Lock for the starting job.
In 2021, Smith took over for an injured Wilson for five games and threw for 702 passing yards, five touchdowns, and one interception.
Smith’s performance last season and familiarity with the Seahawks offense should give him the edge over Lock and Eason but Lock has proven that he is a formidable threat to Smith.
In three years with the Denver Broncos, Drew Lock threw for 4,740 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. He showed promise as a future franchise quarterback in his rookie year but has been on the decline ever since.
Lock’s problem is that he possesses a very risky play style which is ideal for high touchdown totals but the downside is that he has a high interception rate as well.
Lock is younger, more athletic, and has a stronger arm than Smith and that might be enough to give Lock the start over Smith if Smith struggles.
With a change of scenery and the benefit of low expectations for a rebuilding squad, Lock will at least push Smith for the starting spot.
Whoever starts at quarterback will likely be on a short leash due to Carroll’s uncertain future with the team past this season. They will also have a solid duo at wide receiver in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Some believe that 2021 was just a down year for the Seahawks as this was the first time they missed the playoffs since 2017 and they were dealing with a multitude of injuries, especially to Wilson.
If Lock comes in and usurps Smith as the starter and makes good use of Metcalf and Lockett, he could lead the Seahawks back into playoff contention, but that is easier said than done in a division that holds the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams.
The Seahawks have an uphill climb but if Lock exceeds expectations, he could make a case as the Seahawks’ quarterback of the future.