Does Pete Carroll deserve the mantra of 'quarterback guru'?

Known primarily as a defensive coach, Carroll isn't often considered a QB guru. During the past few seasons, the Seahawks' unimaginative offense was seen as a sign that perhaps Carroll had lost a step.

Smith is 118-of-157 for 1,305 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. His completion percentage (75.2-percent), yards per attempt (8.3) and yards per game (261) are all better than his career averages.

After finishing last year 20th in total yards, the Seahawks are up to 8th this season.

The offensive improvement in Seattle has been even more noticeable when considering former quarterback Russell Wilson's rough start in Denver.

Wilson's completion percentage (59.4-percent) and passer rating (82.8) are career lows.

Carroll coached at USC from 2001 to 2009. Quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart won the Heisman Trophy under his watch. In Seattle, Wilson went from third-round pick and projected backup to Matt Flynn to Super Bowl-winning QB.

It's Smith's resurgence that has drawn the most eyes toward Carroll's coaching.

No one will ever accuse Carroll of revolutionizing NFL offenses. But there's something to be said for a coach that consistently put his players in a position to succeed. It's been a common thread through his 20-plus seasons as a coach.

No one thought of Carroll as a QB whisperer before this season. But if we've learned anything, it's the more we think we know, the less we actually do.