Pete Carroll gives update on Seahawks’ QB situation

Dec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reacts against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With Russell Wilson now calling Denver home, there will be a new starting quarterback under center for the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. But who will it be? Geno Smith, Drew Lock or another? Head coach Pete Carroll isn’t certain just yet, but admits that a clear leader continues to emerge.

Before taking a brief leave due to COVID-19, Carroll was very complimentary of all his quarterbacks. He did admit, however, that Smith had the early lead.

Now Carroll is back with the team and that hasn’t changed. With the preseason officially underway, Smith continues to head the pack.

“They keep doing stuff every day, and they’re making plays,” Carroll said of Smith and Lock, via Pro Football Talk. “They both make plays every day. I’m watching to see how it swings; if it goes heavy one way, heavy the other way. The guys are doing a nice job. We’re working hard to match up the reps with the guys that play up in front, and the receivers, we’re working to get that done, and that’ll happen, and you’ll see how it happens again tomorrow, how the reps are handed out, just so that we can make it a really even competition.

“Geno continues to be on top, he’s ahead, he’s been in the lead for all the obvious reasons, and he’s holding onto it and doing a really good job of battling. Both guys are communicating beautifully, they’re learning well, we don’t have any issues with anything we’re trying to do. There are no issues here where we have to ‘Oh, we can’t quite do this or that with this guy or that guy,’ it isn’t like that. They’re very talented arm-wise, and the ability to throw the ball down the field is there. So, let the games begin. Getting out there, now we’re in the middle of it, and we’ll see what happens.”

Smith’s experience and knowledge of the system has aided in his stranglehold on the starting job. His rapport with the players has also helped his bid.

“He’s just doing things right,” Carroll said. “He handles the system, he’s making the checks at the line of scrimmage, he’s able to control the protections and working with [center] Austin [Blythe], those guys are hitting it really well, and he’s just really talented. He’s made great throws every day.”

The potential for a Jimmy Garoppolo acquisition still looms, but Carroll seems more focused on what’s in house. And while the scale could shift throughout the preseason, the momentum very much remains on Smith’s side.