Geno Smith’s career started under the brightest of lights as a rookie quarterback for the New York Jets.
Smith’s ups and downs with the Jets in the country’s biggest media market have been widely chronicled. The short version of the story is that Smith lost his starting job after two seasons due to circumstances largely beyond his control, became a backup, then had to wait, and wait, and wait—longer than he should have, it could be argued, given the second chances some other less accomplished and less talented quarterbacks have received over the years—before finally becoming the Seahawks starter last season.
Smith, of course, excelled in that capacity, guiding the Seahawks to the playoffs and receiving Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year and Pro-Bowl honours. Smith happened to face all three of his former teams, the Jets, Giants, and Chargers, on his way to leading the NFL in completion percentage (69.8) and leading the NFC in touchdown passes (30), leading his team to wins in all three games while throwing six touchdown passes with one interception, maintaining all along that there was nothing extra at stake when facing those teams.
And now, when the Seahawks face the Giants on Monday Night Football, Smith will be returning to his early career, this time at MetLife Stadium, which is home to both the Jets and the Giants. Monday’s game will be Smith’s first start there since 2016, when he replaced Ryan Fitzpatrick for one game before tearing his ACL. It will also be Smith’s first game as a regular starter there since 2014, his second year with the Jets.
Of course, Smith isn’t treating this game as anything more than the next game on Seattle’s schedule, regardless of venue or opponent.
“I’m excited to go on the road, another opportunity for us as a team,” Smith said. “I can’t wait for Monday night’s prime-time game.” Just another chance to go out there and show ourselves against another strong defence.”
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he planned to meet with a few players ahead of the game because of their ties to New York or the Giants, including Smith, safety Jamal Adams, who spent three years with the Jets and will be playing his first game in more than a year, and safety Julian Love, who spent four seasons with the Giants before signing with Seattle in free agency this offseason.
“We’ve already started that conversation,” said Carroll, who spent five seasons with the Jets, four as defensive coordinator and one as head coach. “He’s all right. He’ll be alright since it’s a long time ago. He’s probably not thinking about it as much as I am.”
After seeing how Smith handled everything that came with his first season as a starter in eight years—from facing the Russell Wilson-led Broncos in Week 1 to playing his former teams to maintaining his poise and consistency throughout a season in which he was the subject of a lot of media attention—Carroll has no concerns that a trip back to New York will negatively affect Smith.
“He’s so routine now about how he prepares, and his expectations on what it takes to prepare well, that it kind of overrides the issues,” Carroll said. There isn’t much criticism in there. He’s already doing it. His regard for planning is at an all-time high. He takes advantage of every chance he gets, and every rep matters for him. He’s competing as though the plays in practise were plays in the game. You can’t ask for anything more; he’s doing everything.”
Smith attributes his consistent performance and demeanour to “my day-to-day routine,” and views Monday night as simply another opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and assist his team win a game.
“The media makes things more than what they are but it’s just another football game,” he said.
“For me, it’s another chance to go out there and prove myself.” It’s all about execution on the pitch, no matter who you are or where you are. After the game is over, none of the outside noise mattered. I’m simply doing my job as the quarterback of this squad and letting the writers create the narrative.”
And, although Smith isn’t planning a return to New York, he does have fond memories of his time there, even if things didn’t work out as well as he had anticipated.
“Every part of that process prepared me for where I am now, and this now is going to prepare me for something in the future,” Smith said. “I simply believe that’s how life works.” I was glad for every opportunity I had there, and it all prepared me for where I am today.”
More in Sports: https://buzzing.today/sports/
Photo Credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/