The Seahawks have always had faith in Geno Smith’s ability to throw the football. To see him atop the NFL leaderboards in most relevant statistical categories is no surprise to Seattle’s staff. They were expecting this.
But an unexpected, yet effective element of the quarterback’s game has emerged through six weeks: Smith as a designed runner.
Smith is a 10-year veteran and has been a mobile quarterback for the past 10 years. Smith averaged over 300 yards of rushing per season during his tenure as the Jets’Starting quarterback in 2013 and 2014. He scored seven touchdowns on ground.
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Shane Waldron, the Seattle offensive coordinator, experimented with Smith’s running ability last season. Smith led a 98-yard scoring drive to relieve Waldron. Russell WilsonWeek 5: Rams last season, Waldron’s first play call of the next series was a zone-read run. Smith lined Alex Collins up to his left. He faked the handoff and read outside linebacker Terrell LewisHe ran and tucked it under his arm. Smith defeated Lewis outside, and evaded a diving tackle before falling forward for five.
But that was Smith’s only designed run in the game and one of only three last season.
