EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Geno Smith was as soon as thought-about a significant a part of the New York Jets’ future, a possible franchise quarterback with an enormous smile and a fair larger arm.
Inconsistency, struggles and a well-publicized locker room altercation finally led to him being a disappointing piece of the crew’s previous.
On Sunday, Smith will face the franchise that drafted him within the second spherical with the thirty ninth general choose in 2013 out of West Virginia for the second time as an opposing starter with the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) — and first at MetLife Stadium, his first NFL house.
“It’s the biggest game of the year because it’s the next game,” insisted Smith, who beat the Jets in 2022 in Seattle. “But obviously because I was drafted there, it’s going to be a narrative that’s built.”
Smith, who additionally beat the Giants final yr at MetLife Stadium, performed for the Jets for components of 4 seasons. He began his first two years, displaying flashes of the playmaking skill that made him a university star.
However the quarterback’s jaw was damaged by linebacker IK Enemkpali in a battle within the locker room throughout coaching camp in 2015. Ryan Fitzpatrick took over because the starter and Smith began only one extra recreation for the Jets, ending with 28 landing passes and 36 interceptions in 33 video games, together with 30 begins.
“I’ve always had tremendous love and respect for that organization,” stated Smith, now 34. “Clearly, the crew that drafted me, gave me an opportunity out of the gate. A number of nice individuals there. Some people who I used to be there with, plenty of these individuals are actually gone.
“So as far as the whole revenge thing, that’s not on my mind.”
After his failed stint with the Jets, Smith’s soccer journey led him to the Giants for one yr and the Chargers for an additional. In 2019, he signed with Seattle, served as Russell Wilson’s backup the subsequent few seasons and crammed in because the starter for 3 video games in 2021. After Wilson was traded to Denver through the 2022 offseason, Smith beat out Drew Lock for the beginning job.
And he thrived. Smith gained the AP NFL Comeback Participant of the Yr in his first season with the Seahawks, acquired a three-year contract and has made the Professional Bowl every of the final two years. He has thrown 62 landing passes over the past three seasons, establishing himself as one of many NFL’s high playmaking quarterbacks. Whereas Smith’s 12 interceptions lead the league this yr, that hasn’t diminished the respect he has earned across the league.
“Yeah, tremendous respect for Geno and what he’s done because that’s not the typical story in this league,” Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich stated. “Guys, once they fail or face actual adversity they usually don’t get it finished at their preliminary cease, plenty of instances that’s it and their profession’s over with they usually don’t turn into the gamers that they need to’ve or might’ve turn into.
“He’s a guy that’s, absolutely, he’s started over in Seattle and he’s revived his career in so many ways and it’s really cool to see. A testament to the resolve that he has.”
Rodgers able to roll
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who turns 41 on Monday, has handled knee, hamstring and ankle accidents for many of the season whereas not taking part in as much as the extent he expects.
However after resting through the Jets’ bye-week break, Rodgers was not listed on the crew’s harm report for the primary time since Week 4. Ulbrich stated Rodgers will begin the ultimate six regular-season video games so long as the QB stays wholesome.
“I’m going to enjoy them,” Rodgers stated. “Obviously, the future is unknown for a lot of us, but yeah, I have a lot of pride in this game — when I take the field, when I go to practice. So I’ll be excited about being out there with the guys and finish off strong.”
Massive-play Bryant
Seahawks security Coby Bryant was chosen the NFC’s defensive participant of the week for the primary time after scoring on a 69-yard pick-6 final Sunday towards Arizona.
Bryant, who shifted to security this yr after beginning his professional profession as a cornerback, took over because the starter after Rawshawn Jenkins went down earlier this season with an harm. Bryant has 39 tackles and two interceptions — and devoted the ball from the pick-6 to his mom, who celebrated her birthday on the day of her son’s massive play.
“Definitely a blessing,” Bryant stated. “It just shows that I’m willing to work, put my head down and control what I can control, and just go out there and dominate.”
Massive Cat’s again
Seahawks defensive finish Leonard Williams will even return “home” Sunday. He’s taking part in in New York for the primary time since he was traded to Seattle final October from the Giants. Williams was drafted by the Jets within the first spherical in 2015 and spent 4½ seasons there earlier than being traded throughout city halfway by means of the 2019 season.
Like Smith, Williams stated an excessive amount of time has handed for it to really feel like “a revenge game or homecoming game” for him.
“It feels like just a regular game to me,” stated Williams, who had 2½ sacks, 4 quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and a cross defensed final week towards Arizona.