Pete Carroll didn’t mince words explaining why Drew Lock didn’t win starting job

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll revealed why Drew Lock did not win the starting quarterback job over Geno Smith.

With the preseason officially over for the Seattle Seahawks, the fanbase finally received the answer as to who will be the starting quarterback for the team heading into the season. Geno Smith and Drew Lock competed throughout the preseason to win the QB1 job after Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos.

After the team’s preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Pete Carroll announced that Smith had won the starting quarterback job. As to why Lock did not win over Smith, Carroll cited that the “timing got messed up” for him.

“[Smith’s] earned it. He’s won the job,” Carroll said, h/t ProFootballTalk. “The timing got messed up for us for Drew (Lock). He just ran out of time in his bid for it. I’m clear about that.”

Seahawks: Pete Carroll reveals why Drew Lock did not win starting QB job

In terms of the timing, Carroll is referring to Lock testing positive for COVID-19. Prior to the positive test, Lock was scheduled to start in the team’s second preseason game against the Chicago Bears.

In the preseason finale, Lock struggled mightily, as he completed 13-of-24 pass attempts for 171 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions against the Cowboys.

Smith always had the edge, considering he has experience playing in Seattle’s offense. Not to mention that he did start in three games for the Seahawks after Wilson suffered an injury to the middle finger of his throwing hand. In four games, Smith had thrown for 702 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception while completing 68.4-percent of his passes.

It is only fitting that Smith would start for the Seahawks in Week 1, as he gets to take on Wilson and the Broncos. As for Lock, he will wait for his moment to play at some point this season, if the opportunity comes.