SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks faced their second-half challenges against the Green Bay Packers without their starting quarterback, Geno Smith, who left the game due to a knee injury. Smith, who was performing well, with 149 passing yards, left midway through the third quarter, leading to backup Sam Howell stepping up under pressure.
Smith sustained his injury during the attempted sack by Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Initially deemed questionable to return, Smith attempted to rally back for his team but was unable to overcome the pain and later didn’t return. He finished his outing completing 15 of 19 passes with one interception.
“This guy is probably one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around,” said Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald, commenting on Smith’s determination and desire to return. He added, “(It was) severe enough for him not to come back.” Smith’s fallout may reshape the Seahawks' hopes as the playoffs approach.
With Smith sidelined, Howell entered the game when the Seahawks were trailing 20-3 against the Packers. The young quarterback, 24, found himself with immense pressure as he logged his first meaningful snaps for Seattle this season. Howell, who previously started all 17 games for the Washington Commanders last season, faced difficulties against the Packers' aggressive defense.
Howell concluded the game with 5 completions on 14 attempts for just 24 yards and was sacked multiple times during his time on the field. Reflecting on his performance, he acknowledged, “My job is to be ready to go in there and play well and help this team win, and I didn’t do it today.” Howell's words indicated his need for improvement and readiness to take ownership as he could potentially lead the team going forward.
“Yeah, I think at the end of the day I’ve got to be better. I think my job is to be ready to go,” Howell stated after the game. Despite the loss, he remained resolute about learning from the challenges faced against Green Bay.
The Seahawks managed to bring the game within reach under Howell’s supervision, but his inability to connect consistently with receivers left them without momentum. Howell's most notable mistake came when he threw an interception after trying to target tight end Noah Fant, leaving fans questioning his capability to fill the void left by Smith.
Coach Macdonald expressed the concern about Howell's decision-making and timing, pointing out how defensive pressures were causing issues with execution and protection from the offensive line. “I mean, wasn’t good enough to win,” Macdonald admitted. The Seahawks’ offensive line, which has been inconsistent throughout the season, struggled to hold strong against the Packers' pass rush, allowing seven sacks total during the game.
For Howell, stepping off the bench without substantial practice repetitions proved challenging, as he lacked the continuity built by starting quarterbacks throughout regular training sessions.
“I got to play better. I got to be cleaner,” said rookie center Jalen Sundell, stepping up himself under tough circumstances as the Seahawks’ injuries mounted. The Seahawks were already facing injuries to key positions prior to Smith's exit, making the contest even more difficult.
Despite Howell’s performance falling short, some teammates like wide receiver Tyler Lockett expressed support, underscoring Howell's readiness and encouragement during the game. Lockett appreciated Howell's resilience, highlighting the camaraderie among teammates, especially when adversity strikes.
The situation for the Seahawks complicates as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season, intertwined at the top of the NFC West standings with the Los Angeles Rams. The outcome of Smith’s pending injury evaluation will dictate if Howell continues as the starter for their upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
“It’s what I get paid to do and I’ve got to be better,” Howell affirmed. With Smith scheduled for imaging tests to assess the severity of his knee injury, Howell prepares to seize his opportunity if called upon again. Meanwhile, the Seahawks maintain focus on orchestrated play and cohesion as they strive for playoff contention against rival teams.
