The Seahawks fell 26-17 to the Rams at home on Thursday, but Geno Smith still shined in place of an injured Russell Wilson.
The former Jets quarterback replaced Wilson early in the fourth quarter – after the starting quarterback suffered a “badly sprained finger,” coach Pete Carroll said – and threw his first touchdown pass since 2017.
Smith found receiver DK Metcalf for a 23-yard touchdown, which cut Los Angeles’ lead to 16-14. It was Metcalf’s second score of the night.
The Rams sealed the victory when Smith’s pass was intercepted on a throw intended for Tyler Lockett. Lockett stumbled to the ground, but it was unclear if he tripped over himself or a Rams defender. There was no call on the play.
Wilson injured his finger during a collision with Los Angeles’ Aaron Donald on a third quarter incompletion. He would go on to play the next series, but exited the game right after. Wilson finished 11-of-16 for 152 yards, adding a touchdown and an interception.
Despite the loss, Smith still impressed viewers — many of whom would be surprised to learn he was still in the league, as Wilson’s durability does not lend itself for many snaps for his backup.
After Smith’s performance, The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy tweeted, “I just had a conversation today with a coach who told me Geno Smith deserves to be a starter in the NFL.”
Smith, who turns 31 on Sunday, is in his third season with the Seahawks. He was drafted by the Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and went on to make 29 starts over two seasons for New York.
His time with the Jets was tarnished when he was punched during training camp in 2015 by teammate IK Enemkpali, breaking his jaw and costing him the starting job.
Carroll later said Wilson was unable to hold onto the football to perform in-game. He added that “everyone was together” on the decision to have Smith take over.
Geno Smith throws the ball against the Rams.Getty ImagesSmith went 10-of-17 for 131 yards and recorded 23 yards rushing on three attempts.
“Geno did a really, really good job, very much in command,” coach Carroll said. “We were able to do all kinds of things with him out there. He handled all the communications beautifully and played really well.
“We had a chance to win a football game. With all of that, we had a chance to win the football game with the ball in our hands and couple minutes to go.”
The Seahawks are still waiting to see how Wilson’s injury plays out. They visit Pittsburgh on Oct. 17 in their next game.
Smith, after Thursday’s loss, was probed about the possibility of starting against the Steelers next Sunday.
“I just want to win,” he said, admitting, “That’s all that is important. I just want to win.”
Smith said he was prepared for the moment when Wilson exited the game.
“I always prepare like I’m going to play. You never know what can happen. I’ve been around long enough to know that,” he said.
Wilson, meanwhile, hasn’t missed a game in his NFL career.
