Geno Smith Named Starter After Seahawks’ Preseason Loss to Cowboys

Geno Smith is the selection as the primary alternative for Russell Wilson at quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.

Coach Pete Carroll made the announcement Friday evening after a 27-26 preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys that included three interceptions from Drew Lock.

It appeared clear Lock’s tough evening, which did embody a landing cross, wasn’t the deciding issue. Smith performed one sequence earlier than Lock performed into the fourth quarter.

“Geno, he is aware of our stuff and he does very well and he understands it and he instructions all the pieces that we’re doing,” Carroll stated. “He’ll give us the very best likelihood to play nice soccer proper off the bat.”

The Seahawks are getting into a brand new period after buying and selling the Tremendous Bowl winner and 10-year starter Wilson to Denver, the place Lock began 21 video games over the earlier three seasons.

Lock noticed loads of enjoying time after lacking the second preseason recreation due to COVID-19. Carroll stated it will be a “make-up deal,” however Smith had already performed loads to make the Seahawks assume he was the selection.

“That is simply the 1st step within the course of, nevertheless it’s actually about successful,” stated Smith, who was Wilson’s backup after beginning most of his first two years within the NFL with the New York Jets and has 34 begins in 45 video games over eight seasons. “None of this can matter if we don’t exit and win the video games we’re speculated to win.”

Regardless of Lock’s picks, the Seahawks (0-3) by no means trailed till the Cowboys went forward on a connection between a pair of lengthy photographs for the roster. Ben DiNucci discovered tight finish Peyton Hendershot on a 14-yard TD with 4:07 remaining.

In his solely sequence, Smith moved the Seahawks to the Dallas 19 earlier than a penalty and a 14-yard sack compelled them to accept the primary of 4 area targets from Jason Myers, a 53-yarder.

Israel Mukuamu intercepted Lock’s second pass earlier than Lock threw a 35-yard TD to Penny Hart on the primary play of his second sequence following a fourth-down cease by the Seattle protection.

Dallas’ Nahshon Wright came off his man on the outside and stepped in entrance of Hart on Lock’s second interception, organising Will Grier’s 1-yard scoring toss to Simi Fehoko to get the Cowboys (2-1) inside 13-10 late within the first half.

The third interception from Lock arrange one other Dallas TD when undrafted rookie security Markquese Bell corralled a tipped cross and rumbled to the Seattle 13 whereas star quarterback Dak Prescott stopped his TV interview to have fun. Brandon Smith made a toe-tapping catch ultimately zone for a 20-20 tie.

Lock led one other TD drive to begin the second half, however working again DeeJay Dallas was the main target. The third-year again had 50 of his 75 yards dashing on the drive, capped by his 1-yard plunge for a 20-10 lead.

Enjoying into the fourth quarter, Lock completed 13 of 24 for 171 yards and a 51.2 passer ranking.

“As a competitor, you’re at all times disenchanted, and I used to be disenchanted,” Lock stated about Carroll’s determination. “You need to have the ability to step on the sphere and present that you are able to do it. Now, it’s my job to have his again. Be the very best teammate I will be.”

Not a lot appeared to alter within the competitors behind Prescott, who sat your entire preseason for the second consecutive 12 months. This time it was by design after a shoulder harm stored him out many of the 2021 preseason. Virtually each different projected Dallas starter didn’t play this preseason both.

Incumbent Cooper Rush dealt with one sequence that resulted in a punt earlier than Grier performed the following 2 1/2 quarters, ending 12 of twenty-two for 88 yards with two scores and no interceptions.

REPLACING TYRON SMITH

The Cowboys had been two days faraway from getting the information that eight-time Professional Bowl left deal with Tyron Smith in all probability might be out till December with a torn hamstring that additionally resulted in a fracture in his left knee.

His most definitely alternative, rookie first-round decide Tyler Smith, didn’t play due to an ankle harm. Second-year man Josh Ball began and noticed loads of motion, however doesn’t seem able to be the starter on Prescott’s blind facet.

RETURN MEN

After returning a kickoff and a punt return for touchdowns final weekend, Dallas receiver KaVontae Turpin didn’t see motion within the return recreation and bought some work on offense. He had an 8-yard catch on two targets.

Seattle receiver Dee Eskridge returned from a hamstring harm and had an 18-yard punt return and an 8-yard catch on three targets. The Seahawks envision him because the No. 3 receiver, however he’s had hassle staying wholesome.

INJURIES

Dallas CB Kelvin Joseph, whose roster spot may very well be in jeopardy, left after the primary play and didn’t return. He was dominated out with a concussion.

UP NEXT

Each groups open the season in prime time. The Cowboys have the primary Sunday evening recreation at dwelling in opposition to Tom Brady and Tampa Bay on Sept. 11. The Seahawks are dwelling in opposition to Denver within the first Monday evening recreation Sept. 12.