Does Pete Carroll Actually Hate Russell Wilson?

Pete Carroll Had Some Interesting QB Comments Recently

Pete Carroll, tell us how you really feel! The Seattle Seahawks head coach was on Seattle Sports 710 AM recently and did not mince words when it comes to Geno Smith. So much so that it seems like his comments were a diss towards former star quarterback Russell Wilson.

“If you notice, Geno’s going off the wristband, and that’s a big help,” Carroll said. “It’s smoothed things out, sped things up, cleaned things up. And that’s part of it, too. We never did that before. There was resistance to that, so we didn’t do that before.

“When Shane says something to Geno, he’s not doubting it. He’s just going with it…”

Quote via Brock and Salk of Seattle Sports 710AM

Quite fishy if you ask me.

However, he is not completely going off the deep end. In 2022, Smith has been ballin’. Yes, you heard that right.

In nine games this season, the former journeyman quarterback has put up 15 touchdowns, 2199 yards, and only four interceptions with a whopping 73.1 completion percentage. I think it’s safe to say that absolutely no one saw this coming, except for maybe Smith himself. He did do an admirable job last season when the aforementioned Wilson was injured.

Stepping in as the starter, he threw up 702 yards with five touchdowns and an interception in three starts in 2021. However, Seattle dealing Wilson has quickly turned from winning the trade outright to it being a complete home run. They still have Pro Bowl-level quarterback play while also stacking the depth with draft picks and roster upgrades. Meanwhile, in Denver, things have gone from bad to worse in the ultra competitive AFC West.

So, Is There Beef?

I would not be surprised if there’s a little sizzle. Despite always having great weapons — cough cough, D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett — Wilson has also had to deal with a struggling offensive line in Seattle.

In my opinion, you could cut it both ways here. Wilson never hesitated to spitball certain plays when the line broke down. That could definitely help contribute to what Carroll’s so-called “resistance.” However, I’m sure if you look at the tape, Wilson has no other choice than to leave the pocket and make something happen.

If I’m Carroll, why does this even matter? He needs to live in the moment. Smith could very well turn back into the quarterback we’re all used to seeing. His team is doing great and defying pretty much everyone’s expectations. If things keep going the way they’re going, then the Seahawks will be a team that absolutely no one wants to play against in the playoffs.

What’s the point of taking subliminal shots at Wilson? They won a Super Bowl. And now, it’s clear Carroll and the Seahawks are much better off. They’re set for both the present and future. In the NFL, you can’t take anything for granted. I think it’s a fools errand to turn the Russell Wilson trade into a messy divorce.

***

SUBSCRIBE to the Vendetta YouTube Channel!

SHOP for Vendetta Merch!

SUPPORT Vendetta on Patreon!