As far as rookie quarterbacks go, the 2012 season has been like none other. With the accomplishments of Andrew Luck in Indianapolis, and Robert Griffin III in D.C., it is easy to overlook the 5'11" Russell Wilson and what he has done in Seattle.
Bears, Packers, 49ers; a list of games the Seahawks are SUPPOSED to lose... Not this year.
Coming off the losing 7-9, 2011 season, the Seahawks have come to play. Run by an effective quarterback, and one if the most dynamic running-backs in the league; the 2012 Seahawks are not a team to be taken lightly. Although they are not playoff tested, they are going into the post-season as arguably, the hottest team in the NFL. After last week's 50-17 win over Buffalo, and a 58-0 demolition of Arizona in week 14; this team is flexing their muscles as they roll into the playoffs. And all this behind an undersized, inexperienced quarterback.
In 2010, I watched this kid and his Wolfpack, show up my Florida State Seminoles on a national stage. As I was in shock at a loss at the hands of NC State, (not so surprising given recent history, ugh!) I couldn't help but think; Who is this guy? And now, the rest of the NFL is asking that same question.
Not even tall enough to see over the offensive line protecting him, Wilson's ability to "see the field" is perhaps the most impressive quality he possesses. With 21 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, he has been more than just a model of consistency, (a term not used for rookie QB's). He has been a play maker; athletic enough to move outside the pocket, with the arm strength to throw the long-ball, and cool and calm enough to make the right decisions in the clutch, these are things a player develops over time. This guy just walks into the league equipt with these intangibles, playing like he was a "sure thing" all along.
I'm going to go out on a limb and accredit the success and growth of Russell Wilson directly to the stout defense of these Seahawks. Ranking 3rd in the league, they have been able to give Wilson the confidence he needs to run the offense. Knowing your defense will get you the ball back, will give you that security you need to go out there, man up, and make a play.
Not to mention he has played minor league baseball as well. And as a baseball player, he has that critical thinking head on his shoulders and can bring that level of thinking to his game. This is why you don't see the bad decisions in his play. And as technical as baseball is, he brings that attention to detail to the field with him. After every drive he is sure to be studying on the sidelines, preparing and learning the game everyday. I think we are going to see a great deal of growth from this kid, and this past draft class could prove to be one of the most accomplished the league has ever seen.
Thank you for reading.
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