Oct 31, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) catches a touchdown pass against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Shaquill Griffin (26) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Geno Smith, filling in for the injured Russell Wilson, threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another as the Seattle Seahawks defeated the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars 31-7 Sunday afternoon.
Smith completed 20 of 24 passes for 195 yards as the Seahawks (3-5) snapped a three-game losing streak and won for the first time in four home games this season to gain some momentum heading into their bye week. Wilson, who had surgery on the middle finger of his right hand after being injured Oct. 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, is expected to return after the bye.
Seattle’s Tyler Lockett made 12 receptions for 142 yards and DK Metcalf added six catches for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Alex Collins rushed for a game-high 44 yards on 10 carries.
The Seahawks’ defense, which entered the game ranked worst in the NFL at 414.7 yards allowed per game, gave up 309, with about half of that coming in the fourth quarter after Seattle led 24-0.
The Jaguars (1-6), who snapped a 20-game losing streak with a 23-20 victory against Miami on Oct. 17 in London, avoided the shutout on rookie Trevor Lawrence’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Jamal Agnew with 1:49 remaining.
Seattle’s Travis Homer returned the ensuing onside kick 44 yards for a touchdown.
Lawrence was 32-of-54 passing for 238 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Carlos Hyde led the Jaguars in rushing with 32 yards on nine carries.
Smith completed his first 14 pass attempts, the most to start a game in the NFL this season (eclipsing the 12 by Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers), in leading the Seahawks to a 17-0 halftime lead.
Smith’s lone incompletion of the first half came with 10 seconds remaining, when he threw the ball over the back of the end zone on third-and-goal from the 13-yard line to escape a sack. The play preserved a chance for Jason Myers’ 31-yard field goal that made it 17-0.
Smith scored on a 1-yard run on Seattle’s opening possession and threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Metcalf in the second quarter.
Metcalf also made a 5-yard TD reception in the third quarter.
–Field Level Media