Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Friday, January 13 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
Geno Smith Wins PFF Comeback Player Of The Year Honors
It's been a movie-like season for the 9-8 Seahawks as they've made the playoffs, led by underdog quarterback Geno Smith. In his first season as a starter since 2014, the West Virginia alum led the league in completion percentage (69.8%) and finished top-ten in passer rating, passing yardage, completions and touchdowns, and was named to the NFC Pro-Bowl roster. For his rise from longtime journeyman and backup to the pinnacle of quarterback play in 2022, Smith earned Pro Football Focus’ 2022 Comeback Player of the Year award.
After Week 1's 19-16 win over the Denver Broncos, Smith made a statement that has yet to come back to haunt him.
"They wrote me off, said Smith. "I ain't write back though."
Over 4,200 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and three wins over former teams later, Smith is preparing to face the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card. Sam Monson breaks down Smith's storybook year and why he deserves the comeback honor.
Comeback Player of the Year
Honorable Mention: RB Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
You can reasonably make the argument that Geno Smith was never actually coming back from anything, or that the only thing he was coming back from was mediocrity earlier in his career, but it just feels right to accept that he belongs in this category and deserves the award for the incredible season he put together out of nowhere.
Even after a downturn late in the year, Smith finished ranked inside the top 10 in PFF overall and passing grades, made 34 big-time throws and broke Seattle single-season records held by the guy he replaced, Russell Wilson.
No matter what happens in the postseason, Smith's 2022 season has been a memorable one, from winning a camp battle with quarterback Drew Lock to setting franchise single-season passing records, to making his first Pro Bowl. Smith will look to continue his impressive run against a tough 49ers defense in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Social Post Of The Day
Dan Orlovsky of NFL Live with a very "specific" gameplan for success in Seattle's NFC Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
More from Around The Web
Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: Seahawks Football 101: What makes the 49ers so dangerous.
Joe Fann of Seattle Sports 710AM: Fann: Wild Card weather forecast could aid Seahawks’ chances vs 49ers.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks running game key against 49ers with forecast calling for rain.
Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports 710AM: Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker III could be difference this time vs 49ers.
Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: Seahawks enter playoff game vs 49ers in good health, Neal to return.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: What to watch for when Seahawks play 49ers in wild-card round — plus Bob Condotta’s prediction.
Seattle Times Sports Staff: Seahawks at 49ers: Seattle Times sports staff makes wild-card picks.
Larry Stone of the Seattle Times: Why Seahawks vs. 49ers might again be among NFL’s best rivalries.
Adam Jude of the Seattle Times: ‘A stand-up guy:’ Seahawks’ Tyler Lockett takes selfless approach as emerging team leader.
Local schools in Seattle surprised the team with good luck posters for the playoffs, featuring creative artwork and special notes to the players.
