MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Geno Smith’s 10-year NFL career features a new highlight. In his first season-opening start since 2014, Smith led the Seattle Seahawks over the Denver Broncos 17-16 at Lumen Field.
.@GenoSmith3 said it! #DENvsSEA
(via @ESPN) pic.twitter.com/Qx1rCHniOx
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2022
After being named the starting quarterback late in the preseason, Smith completed 23-of-28 passes for 195 yards with a pair of touchdown passes. The former WVU signal caller completed passes to eight different receivers, including touchdown tosses to Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly in the first half. Seattle led 17-13 at halftime. A 64-yard field goal attempt from Denver’s Brandon McManus sailed wide left in the final seconds to preserve the win for Seattle.
Smith defeated his former teammate Russell Wilson, who was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection in his ten years with the Seahawks.
Smith, who will be inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, stands as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in school history. In four seasons with the Mountaineers, he passed for 11,662 yards and 98 touchdowns.
The 2013 second round draft pick of the New York Jets is in his tenth NFL season. He has played primarily as a backup with the Jets, Giants, Chargers and Seahawks.