Geno Smith is poised for a potential resurgence with the New York Jets, according to insights from his former head coach, Pete Carroll. Carroll, who coached Smith with the Seattle Seahawks from 2019 to 2023 and most recently with the Las Vegas Raiders, noted that Smith's competitive drive is a significant element of his game.
"He is just as fiery as you can get," Carroll told The Post. "Sometimes he has run into some problems because his competitiveness gets the best of him, and he has to chill out so he can get back to balance."
Carroll, who previously served as the Jets' head coach, observed that while Smith's intensity could sometimes lead to issues, it was largely managed effectively during their time together. "For the most part, with us, that was never a problem. But it was a concern. Geno knew it, I knew it, and he handled it really well."
During his tenure as a backup in Seattle, Carroll developed an admiration for Smith's work ethic. This led to Smith being chosen to succeed Russell Wilson as the Seahawks' starting quarterback in 2022.
While some Jets teammates have described Smith as a "calming" influence, Carroll's perspective emphasizes the quarterback's inherent intensity as a critical aspect of his playing style, one that requires careful balance.