Geno Smith takes blame for loss vs. Bengals: 'The guys deserved to win'

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith took responsibility for the team's 17-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

"I felt like the guys deserved to win today," Smith said, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. "Obviously, I didn't do my best job today to get that done. So those are things that I put on myself. I lay it right at my feet, right on my shoulders, and I look forward to the next opportunity."

Smith threw for 323 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. The Seahawks out-gained the Bengals on offense by 167 yards in the loss.

Smith's first interception came in the red zone, his first in that area of the field since becoming the Seahawks starting quarterback at the beginning of last season. The 33-year-old underthrew wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba near the goal line, causing the turnover.

"I just need to be better," Smith said. "Can't do that, especially in the red zone. Can't put the ball in harm's way. Like I said, the defense is playing a tremendous game. We got points right there. I've got to protect the ball. So I've got to be better."

Smith added: "You play long enough in this game, it'll happen. But you've got to flush it. You've got to move on to the next one. We've got a lot of football left to play. I believe in the type of player that I am. I know today isn't indicative of who I am as a player."

Sunday was the first time this season that Smith turned the ball over twice in a game. He entered Week 6 with just one interception in four contests.

The loss drops the Seahawks to 3-2. Seattle will look to bounce back in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.