Geno Smith is completing over 70% of his passes, sitting sixth in completion percentage over expected and 16th in EPA/dropback. Let that sink in for a second, because we’re talking about a player whose lone season in Las Vegas was nothing short of disastrous, finishing with a league-high 17 interceptions. This isn’t just a comeback story; it’s a “wait, what just happened?!” moment unfolding right before our eyes, a wild winding circle back to the team that drafted him 13 years ago.
The Defense Is Dominant, But the Schedule Raises Questions
On the other side of the ball, Aaron Glenn’s defense is absolutely suffocating, ranking third in DVOA. They’re first in stopping the run, sixth against the pass. You see numbers like that, and you think, “Okay, this unit is legit, they’re ready to shut down anyone.” They certainly looked like it manhandling a “very bad Titans offense” and then playing a “sloppy game in the rain” against a Packers team with an offensive line dealing with multiple injuries. It’s tough, because you can only play who’s on your schedule, and they’ve done well so far. But after losing to those very Packers last week, and with all the questions swirling around Glenn’s game management, it’s fair to wonder how this defense will hold up against the league’s truly elite offenses. MacGregor Wells of Gang Green Nation hit it right on the head: the jury’s still out. The secondary, in particular, is a “particular concern,” and there’s a real fear we’ll see it exploited as the season progresses.
Offense: Work in Progress With Some Serious Firepower
Now, let’s talk offense. They’ve got a good offensive line and some “pretty good weapons” in Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. That’s a combo that should make some noise, right? But the reality is, that side of the ball is still a massive work in progress. They looked good against that “bad Titans team” but then struggled hard against the Packers. It’s almost like they’re two different units depending on who they’re lining up against. Frank Reich, brought in by Glenn in January as the team’s third offensive coordinator in as many years, has his hands full getting this offense consistent.
So, are they on the rise? I guess so, but given where this team was last year,one of the worst anyone had seen,”on the rise” feels less like a triumph and more like the bare minimum. It would have been hard to be worse, honestly. This team is definitely in a “wait and see” mode, and for good reason. Can Geno keep this up? Can the defense prove its mettle against top-tier offenses? We’re going to find out, and every single game is going to be a gut check.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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