The recent events surrounding Geno Smith’s performance with the Seattle Seahawks have caused an outcry of disappointment, anger, and frustration among fans, analysts, and even some of his teammates. What was anticipated to be a promising season for the Seahawks has instead been marred by a string of underwhelming performances, most notably during a crucial “stage 1” game, which seemed to encapsulate the team’s many struggles this year.
Geno Smith, a quarterback who had once shown flashes of brilliance and resilience after years of being a backup, has unfortunately been at the center of this debate. The 2025 season, which had started with high hopes for the Seahawks and Smith himself, has taken a tragic turn. Many had expected Smith to build on his success from the previous year, leading the Seahawks to the postseason and reestablishing his career in the league. Yet, instead of taking the team to the next level, Smith’s performances have been inconsistent, erratic, and, at times, downright chaotic. The game in question—referred to as “stage 1 chaos” by many in the sports community—saw Smith commit multiple turnovers, miss key throws, and exhibit a lack of poise and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
The frustrations are understandable. Fans had been looking for a leader, someone capable of guiding the team to victory in challenging games. But instead, what they saw was a quarterback who seemed out of sync with his offensive line, his wide receivers, and even his coaching staff. The disappointment among the Seattle faithful is palpable. From the stands to social media, there has been a collective feeling of betrayal, as if the Seahawks’ chances at competing this season were dashed by Smith’s inability to rise to the occasion.
Anger is also an emotion running high. Seahawks fans are not known for their patience, especially when they believe their team is underperforming. There is an understandable sense of frustration that the quarterback position, often considered the most important in football, is in a state of flux. Smith’s inconsistency has left many wondering whether the Seahawks are wasting valuable time in their efforts to contend, especially when the team has key pieces on both offense and defense that could be in their prime for only a short while. Fans, who had invested emotional energy into supporting Smith after years of uncertainty at quarterback, now find themselves demanding answers. Why hasn’t Geno been able to lead the team to success? Why are mistakes continuing to happen? These are questions that both fans and analysts alike are asking.
Alongside disappointment and anger, there is also an increasing demand for accountability. Many are now calling for changes to be made, whether that involves benching Smith for a more reliable quarterback option or perhaps a reevaluation of the coaching staff. The criticism has been particularly harsh on head coach Pete Carroll, who is seen by some as reluctant to make tough decisions when necessary. There is a growing belief that Carroll has protected Smith for too long, and that the team’s playoff aspirations could be slipping away because of it.
Accountability, in this case, isn’t limited to just Smith or the coaching staff—it extends to the front office as well. General manager John Schneider and ownership may also face questions about why the Seahawks were so willing to go all-in on Smith after his somewhat surprising success in the previous year. Did they overlook warning signs? Were they too quick to buy into his potential without considering the risk that comes with sticking with a quarterback with a history of inconsistency? The accountability questions extend all the way to the top, where the franchise’s direction is being called into question.
The Seahawks are not in a position to waste time with mediocrity, particularly in a division that has grown increasingly competitive in recent seasons. With the rise of teams like the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, the Seahawks’ window for contention feels smaller with each passing week of underperformance. Fans, who once believed that Smith could be the answer to their quarterback dilemma, are now left questioning the future of the team and wondering if this once-promising era is slipping through their fingers.
It’s also worth noting that Smith is not the only one bearing the brunt of criticism. The offensive line has struggled at times, and the receivers, despite some standout performances, have also failed to consistently make plays. However, in a game as reliant on the quarterback’s ability to manage the game, lead his team, and make the necessary adjustments, all eyes inevitably fall on the signal-caller. In this case, Geno Smith is expected to shoulder the blame, whether or not his teammates’ performances are also part of the problem.
Looking ahead, the next few weeks are critical. The Seahawks are in a precarious position, and Smith’s future in Seattle could hinge on how he performs in upcoming games. If the stage 1 chaos was just an anomaly, there might still be hope for Smith to redeem himself. However, if his struggles continue, changes will likely be made. This may involve a shift in leadership at quarterback, but it could also include a broader reevaluation of the team’s strategy and vision.
In conclusion, the anger, disappointment, and demand for accountability following Geno Smith’s stage 1 chaos are a reflection of the broader struggles the Seahawks are facing this season. What was once a promising path forward has become a source of uncertainty, with questions swirling around the quarterback position, coaching decisions, and the direction of the franchise as a whole. For the fans and those invested in the team’s success, the hope is that the Seahawks can correct course before it’s too late. But until then, the frustration will likely continue to mount, and the calls for answers will only grow louder.