Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith Apologizes for Abysmal Performance

After a crushing 26-20 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith took full responsibility for two costly fourth-quarter red-zone interceptions, including a 103-yard pick-six. “I really feel like I let everybody down today,” Smith said, expressing regret for his decision-making under pressure. Despite rallying Seattle to a game-tying touchdown in the final minute of regulation, Smith’s red-zone turnovers ultimately outweighed his efforts.

With just over 11 minutes remaining and the game tied at 13, Seattle had a prime scoring opportunity at the Rams’ 6-yard line. However, under heavy pressure from linebacker Byron Young, Smith attempted a backpedal throw meant for the back of the end zone. His pass was intercepted by safety Kamren Kinchens, who returned it for a touchdown. Smith later admitted he should have thrown the ball away sooner, saying, “No excuses… I can get it out sooner, be faster in my decision-making.”

Minutes after his first costly interception, Geno Smith had another opportunity to tie the game when practice-squad callup Cody White blocked a punt, placing Seattle at the Rams’ 19-yard line. But on a second-and-goal play from the 4, Smith’s pass, intended for tight end AJ Barner, was intercepted again by safety Kamren Kinchens. Barner appeared to be held up by Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske, but no penalty was called.

“I thought he got grabbed, but again, that’s not an excuse,” Smith said. “The ball’s in my hands. I make the decision, and my choices impact the whole team, not just me. I know I can be better, and it really hurts me that I couldn’t deliver today.” Smith’s accountability was evident as he reflected on the impact of his errors in the Seahawks’ heartbreaking loss.

Smith rebounded from his two red-zone interceptions, leading Seattle on a last-minute 73-yard scoring drive that forced OT. Smith delivered a 28-yard pass to White, ran for 11 yards, connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 29-yard pass on fourth down, then found Smith-Njigba in the end zone for a game-tying 14-yard touchdown with 51 seconds left.

“As long as we’ve got a shot, as long as I’ve got a shot, I’m gonna keep fighting,” says Smith. “That’s just how I am.” That’s how I am wired. “I don’t know any other way.”

Despite a tough loss, Geno Smith showed flashes of excellence, throwing two touchdown passes in the final minute of the first half—a 30-yarder to Tyler Lockett and a 24-yarder to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith finished the day with 363 yards, three touchdowns, and a career-high three interceptions. One of those interceptions came early in the first quarter after a tipped pass off Smith-Njigba’s hands. This marked Smith’s first three-pick game since 2014, during his early days with the Jets.

Under constant pressure from the Rams’ aggressive pass rush, Smith took seven sacks and saw two of his longest completions to Smith-Njigba called back due to holding penalties. Head coach Mike Macdonald acknowledged Smith’s resilience but emphasized the need for smarter decisions and better pass protection.

There were also recurring snap issues with center Connor Williams. Smith mishandled a snap in the first quarter that led to a 20-yard loss, and another high snap resulted in a 22-yard setback. Williams had similar miscues in the previous week’s game against Buffalo, leading to lost yardage inside the red zone.

Despite the loss—Seattle’s fifth in their last six games—the Seahawks remain close in the NFC West race, just a game behind first-place Arizona. After their bye week, they’ll face the 49ers in a crucial divisional matchup on November 17.

Reflecting on the season’s challenges, Smith said, “The great thing about life is you get another day… I’m taking it one by one. I’m gonna do my thing. I’m gonna get better.”