In his first two years as the Seahawks' starting quarterback, Geno Smith has already faced the Jets, the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2013 draft, helping lead the Seahawks to victory in 2022.
And a year later, Smith returned to MetLife Stadium, his home early in his career, to help lead the Seahawks to a win over the Giants.
But on Sunday, Smith will play the Jets in their New Jersey home for the first time as a starting quarterback, a game that will have a special meaning for Seattle's quarterback, not because he's out for revenge against the team that moved on from him early in his career, but because he's grateful for the organization that gave him his start in the NFL.
"I've always had tremendous love and respect for that organization," Smith said Wednesday. "Obviously, the team that drafted me gave me a chance out of the gate. A lot of great people there, some people that I was there with, a lot of those people are now gone. So as far as the whole revenge thing, that's not on my mind. Like I said, man, there's a lot of great people in that city that I still talk to and I still love and still support me and so it's the biggest game of the year because it's the next game. But obviously, because I was drafted there it's going to be a narrative that's built."
For Smith, this week isn't about heading east to show the Jets what they missed out on by giving up on him almost a decade ago, but rather about trying to help the Seahawks win a third straight game while facing a talented Jets defense. And for Smith, that means finding ways to improve upon what has already been a very strong season.
Namely, Smith wants to eliminate the mistakes, and interceptions in particular, that have at times marred otherwise great performances.
"I'm always going to look at the things that I can do better," he said. "I think that's the way I've always approached the game. You can make the right decision on every play, but one, and that'll be the play that I'll emphasize and will look at the most. And so how do I evaluate (his play last week)? We won the game. That's what I care about the most. Other than that, how can I get better? There are many ways, everything can improve and that's something that I continue to work on daily. Where I think I am, I think I'm really a good player and I think I have a chance to be even better. So as long as I continue to work hard, continue to stay focused on my process as I talk to you guys about, I think good things will happen and I think some of that stuff that's unlucky will kind of weed itself out."
While Smith would love to never have a bad play or throw an interception, those are part of being a quarterback in the NFL, and throughout his time as Seattle's starter, one of his best traits is the way he has responded to those moments.
Two weeks ago, Smith threw an interception in the third quarter of a close game against the 49ers, then led a touchdown drive on Seattle's next possession before later leading the game-winning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. And last week against the Cardinals, Smith threw an interception in the end zone early in the fourth quarter with Seattle looking to extend its lead, and he responded by leading a long, time-consuming drive that set up a field goal to put the game out of reach. That drive featured arguably Smith's play of the game, a third-and-8 throw in traffic to DK Metcalf, after scrambling to avoid a sack, that picked up 18 yards. Later in that same drive, Smith created another game-changing play with his football smarts, checking to a run play on third-and-4 based on the blitz look the Cardinals were showing, resulting in a 6-yard run by Zach Charbonnet that helped the Seahawks burn more clock and get into field goal range.
While some quarterbacks might get gun-shy after throwing an interception in a big moment, Smith tends to just get better in response to any adversity. Last week, Smith noted that his unusual career path, which saw him start his first two seasons before spending seven years as a backup, helps him find perspective in those type of moments.
"I think the perspective that I have, that I've gained over my career has allowed me to play that way," Smith said after leading the game-winning drive over the 49ers. "Whenever there is a mistake that's made, I never really get too down on myself, and also don't' get to high when good things happen. As long as you stay even-keeled throughout the process, I think things work out better that way."
And on Wednesday, he offered another explanation for how he's able to thrive in late-game situations even if there were some negative moments leading up to that.
"Growing up watching football, my favorite player was Brett Favre, born on the same day," he said. "And what would Brett do? Keep slinging. That's the way we play the game. I never tried to be reckless. I'm always trying to make the right decision, but I do believe in myself. I believe in my arm, I believe in my process. I always talk to you guys about and at times bad things happen. That's the way this game goes, but you can't let that affect you if you really are who you say you are, then you just go and play the next play."
No one wants to see Smith eliminate the interceptions more than the quarterback himself, but so far this season the pros have vastly outweighed the cons, and the Seahawks don't want to see their quarterback lose the playmaking edge that, while on occasion has led to turnovers, has also helped the Seahawks win a lot of games over the past few seasons
"It's not like we're losing trust in him or anything," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said when asked about the interception last week. "We've got his back, and a lot of the things that make Geno a great player is his playmaking ability. So there is a fine line of—he arguably won us the game with the zero-check, and extending plays and commanding the line and giving him autonomy to do what he feels he needs to do in that moment. So there's a balance there. You never want to take the playmaker out of the player. So making some decisions to protect the ball in those moments, yeah, he could probably be a little more careful in those situations, but there's a fine line there."
Coaches, players and staff across the league will wear customized cleats in honor of causes that are important to them as part of 'My Cause My Cleats'. Check out the custom cleats that Seahawks players and staff will wear for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats' league-wide initiative.
Seahawks president Chuck Arnold is honoring the American Cancer Society for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on cancer research.
Seahawks Legend Cliff Avril is honoring Champions of Change for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on empowering underserved regions through the power of sport and teamwork.
Seahawks vice president of community & engagement Mario Bailey is honoring Everytown for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating awareness for gun violence.
Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) is honoring the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) is honoring Footprints of Fight for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support to patients and families dealing with pediatric cancer.
Seahawks Lamar Campbell is honoring We Stutter for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support for those who deal with stutters and speech impediments.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) is honoring the Williams Syndrome Association for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating awareness and supporting those who deal with Williams Syndrome.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) is honoring NAMI-Mississippi for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on mental health awareness.
Seahawks tackle McClendon Curtis (66) is honoring the McClendon Curtis Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'.
The Seahawks dancers are honoring Solid Ground for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on homelessness prevention.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) is honoring the Fant Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on youth empowerment.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) is honoring Open Door Mission in Omaha, Nebraska for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing shelter and feeding the less fortunate.
Seahawks assistant special teams coach Devin Fitzsimmons is honoring Maryland Symphony Orchestra for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause honors his brother's love for the orchestra.
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78) is honoring Warrior Rising for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on empowering U.S. military veterans and their families.
Seahawks linebacker Trevis Gipson (50) is honoring Humane Society for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on ending suffering for all animals.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) is honoring Gulfport Memorial Hospital NICU for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause supports the hospital that saved Hall's life during his birth.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) is honoring TABLE NC for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on delivering healthy food and nutrition education to youth in Orange County, NC.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) is honoring Headstrong for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on raising cancer awareness and prevention.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) is honoring Seattle Children's Autism Center for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on autism awareness.
Seahawks linebacker Dre'Mont Jones (55) is honoring the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause supports youth empowerment.
Seahawks Legend Walter Jones is honoring the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on cancer research.
Seahawks offensive assistant Chuckie Keeton is honoring the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on empowering coaches and athletes.
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63) is honoring Mary's Place Seattle for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting and providing necessities to the less fortunate.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) is honoring Just1Mike for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on heart screening awareness and providing AED's to areas of need.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) is honoring the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing relief to the poor and marginalized.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is honoring the RYR-1 Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating support and awareness for those who suffer from RYR1-related diseases.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) is honoring the American Cancer Society and the Puget Sound Association of the Deaf for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. These causes focus on deaf empowerment and cancer research.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) is honoring Seattle Children's Autism Center for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on autism awareness.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) is honoring SOUND and Prison Fellowship for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. These causes support deaf empowerment and prison reform.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) is honoring the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support to patients who suffer from DIPG.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) is honoring the Uchenna Nwosu Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on promoting education, health and wellness to sports minded individuals.
Seahawks offensive passing game coordinator Jake Peetz is honoring the Make-A-Wish Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting children with critical illnesses.
Seahawks running back coach Kennedy Polamalu is honoring the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support to the less fortunate.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) is honoring Life Enrichment Group for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support to youth and their families.
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38) is honoring the Randall Morris Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting the youth.
Seahawks president of football operations/general manager John Schneider is honoring Ben's Fund for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on autism awareness.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) is honoring the Little Warrior Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on cancer awareness.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) is honoring Extended Hands Inc. for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause supports Geno's mother's non profit organization that provides programs and services to empower the community.
Seahawks linebacker Tyreke Smith (59) is honoring the Jed Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting mental health awareness.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) is honoring Uplifting Athletes for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. The cause focuses on rare disease support.
Seahawks head athletic trainer David Stricklin is honoring Heroes Homestead & NATA for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting veterans and their families.
Seahawks coach Neiko Thorpe is honoring the Alzheimer's Association for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on researching and providing support to those who suffer from Alzheimer's.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) is honoring Le Bonheur Children's Hospital & Everytown for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. These causes focuses on supporting a non profit and raising gun violence awareness.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) is honoring the American Cancer Society for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating awareness and supporting those who deal with breast cancer.
Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) is honoring Water Mission for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating safe water solutions across the world.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) is honoring the Lupus Foundation of America for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on lupus awareness and research.
