#geno-smith

#geno-smith

It was 67 degrees and sunny at kickoff inside Levi's Stadium. The light hit the hills just right and bathed the crowd in that specific, golden California glow that usually costs extra. Yes, it was an incredible ego boost for a region that deserved one. A reminder that this is still an elite place to live - there aren't many places on earth that can host the world's biggest party in a light jacket without breaking a sweat, after all.

Now that the dust has settled on the 2025 NFL season, NFL Media's Nick Shook ranked all 63 quarterbacks who started at least one game last year based on how they played during the regular season *AND* playoffs. Shook's list of quarterbacks who made at least one (1) start is a doozy and features seven different tiers. However, one name stands out (to me) above the rest - and it is Caleb Williams.

Instead, with the Seahawks trailing 28-24 and 26 seconds to play, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell with the authorization of coach Pete Carroll called for a quick slant pass from quarterback Russell Wilson to wide receiver Ricardo Lockette. New England safety Malcolm Butler got there first with an interception at the 1. The Patriots (15-4) won their fourth of six Lombardi Trophies under coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

In one of the most unexpected Super Bowl matchups in recent memory, the consensus expectations are fairly one-sided. The Seahawks have firmly established themselves as one of the NFL's true elite teams. They have dismantled overmatched opponents and manuevered their way into making pivotal plays in high-leverage situations to beat the league's best. Despite all the concerns surrounding Sam Darnold, his confidence must be sky-high after his stellar performance against the Rams.

Defense was the story of the first half. The Seahawks allowed just 51 total yards. Outside of two big runs by Seattle running back Kenneth Walker III, the 'Hawks only managed 124 yards of offense. New England and Seattle combined for only five third-down conversions on 16 attempts in the first 30 minutes of the game. A promising opening drive allowed Seattle to make it down to the Patriots' 14 yard line,

The wide receiver has played out of his mind this season. He roasts every defensive coverage and has morphed into a three-level threat: beating man-coverage quickly off the snap, showing fearlessness to attack the middle of the field and stretching away from deep coverage. Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks' offensive coordinator, has channeled the entire Seattle offense through his star receiver. Smith-Njigba lines up everywhere: out wide, in the slot, in the backfield. From any of those looks, he's a matchup nightmare.