Move over, Russell Wilson. Geno Smith claimed one of his predecessor's franchise records on Sunday, breaking the Seahawks' single-season passing yards record in his first season as a starter in Seattle.
Smith entered the Week 18 matchup with the Rams 150 yards shy of Wilson's record of 4,219 yards, and despite a bit of a sluggish day for the offense, he surpassed the mark on a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter.
The Seahawks would prevail in overtime, keeping their playoff hopes alive heading into "Sunday Night Football" between the Packers and Lions.
GM John Schneider on Seahawks radio network of Geno Smith, poised to break Russell Wilson team record for pass yds today: “Everybody is so happy for him. The offensive coaching staff has done a really good job with him especially Coach Carroll working with him day in and day out"
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) January 8, 2023
MORE: Why a Seahawks playoff appearance will be critical to Geno Smith's 2022 earnings
Wilson stood first, second, third, fourth, and fifth on the Seahawks' single-season passing list entering 2022. Before last week, he was the only quarterback in Seahawks history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season, doing so four times.
Smith wasn't even guaranteed the starting job coming into training camp. He fought off a challenge by Drew lock and started all 17 games for Seattle, including a win over Wilson and the Broncos in Week 1. Smith hadn't been a regular starter since 2014 with the Jets before this season.
Great throw by @GenoSmith3 and a perfect grab by @TDLockett12! 🤩
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 8, 2023
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/BSDGI5ZWDz
While he hit some bumps late in the season, including a pair of interceptions against the Rams on Sunday, Smith is in line for a pretty significant raise in free agency this coming offseason.
MORE: Ex-Jet, ex-bust Geno Smith offers words of encouragement to Zach Wilson after Seahawks-Jets game
Whether the Seahawks reach the playoffs or not, they exceeded all expectations by finishing with a winning record. Much of that was due to Smith, who finished with 4,282 yards and 30 touchdown passes in a Pro-Bowl season.
Seahawks single-season passing yards leaders
| Place | Player | Yards | Year |
| 1 | Geno Smith | 4,282 | 2022 |
| 2 | Russell Wilson | 4,219 | 2016 |
| 3 | Russell Wilson | 4,212 | 2020 |
| 4 | Russell Wilson | 4,110 | 2019 |
| 5 | Russell Wilson | 4,024 | 2015 |
Smith had the advantage of an extra game to break Wilson's record, but Seahawks fans likely won't look to put an asterisk on the accomplishment as the franchise distances itself further from its former QB.
