Seahawks name Smith as Week 1 starting QB

Geno Smith has beat out Drew Lock within the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback competitors and can begin the group’s Sept. 12 opener in opposition to Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos, Pete Carroll mentioned Friday.

Carroll made the announcement after the Seahawks’ preseason finale — a 27-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys — and mentioned he is knowledgeable the group. Smith began Friday evening, main a field-goal drive on his lone collection earlier than giving option to Lock, who threw a landing move and three interceptions, two of which weren’t totally his fault.

Carroll has mentioned all alongside that Smith has been forward of Lock, noting a number of occasions how Wilson’s former backup has had the sting when it comes to his understanding of Seattle’s offense.

“He is earned it,” Carroll mentioned. “He gained the job.”

Smith mentioned he realized of Carroll’s resolution when the coach addressed the group within the locker room postgame.

“Clearly I am grateful for the chance and grateful,” mentioned Smith, who’s backed up Wilson the previous three seasons and began three video games final yr whereas Wilson was harm. “However I’ve loads of work forward of me.”

Smith took the overwhelming majority of the Seahawks’ first-team reps this summer time and began all three of their preseason video games, although Lock was set to begin the second earlier than he examined optimistic for COVID-19.

“I haven’t got any query that he can play,” Carroll mentioned of Lock, who was acquired from Denver within the Wilson commerce. “I believe he’ll be a improbable soccer participant quickly.”