Geno Smith Might Be Jordan Love All Over Again for Vikings
On Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith suffered a knee injury and was forced from the contest. Head coach Mike Macdonald turned to backup Sam Howell, and hilarity ensued. The Minnesota Vikings appear destined to face Smith this weekend, but it could be a Jordan Love situation all over again.
Geno Smith Might Be Jordan Love All Over Again for Vikings
When the Minnesota Vikings went to Lambeau Field earlier this year, they did so while facing a version of Jordan Love that was well below his peak health. He was returning from an injury suffered during the first week of the season, and it was clear that his performance suffered. Welcome to the same fate, Geno Smith.
The ‘Vikings’ defense has been among the most menacing units in the league. Brian Flores sends pressure like no one else matters, which binds opposing offenses. This could create serious issues against a quarterback who will likely be hobbled.
Smith has revived his career with the Seahawks. After flaming out of the league, he earned a new contract and has been a steadying presence. That’s all fine, but he hasn’t been a difference-maker. Seattle is 8-6 while playing in a mediocre division, and Smith has kept them above water.
The 12th Man is a nice homefield advantage, but Minnesota knows something about winning on the road and dealing with noise. They should be confident going into a game where they are considered favorites. Facing a quarterback of Smith’s caliber isn’t something foreign either.
Last week, rookie Caleb Williams was bottled up after finding success against Flores at Soldier Field. Minnesota made Kirk Cousins look awful, and they have stifled multiple middle-of-the-road signal callers this year. Smith will never moonlight as Patrick Mahomes, and any depletion of his ability will present significant problems.
Minnesota can’t get caught looking ahead to contests against the Green Bay Packers or Detroit Lions, but there is no reason that Smith should pose a challenge to them. The Seahawks are a team ripe for a pounding, and the Vikings can wrap up their NFC West schedule with a 3-1 record.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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