When the NFL preseason began, the Seattle Seahawks had a quarterbackin Matt Flynn who appeared to be the one leading the way this season. But have things changed?
In their first three preseason games, Flynn got the start in the firsttwo and really did not do anything to relinquish his starting role based on his subpar performances. He completed 17 of 26 pass attempts with just one pick but had no touchdowns. But the fact remains that there just was not a spark ignited in the stagnant offense.
Enter Russell Wilson. The rookie from Wisconsin began his NFL career with all the tools, but many were not ready to jump on the bandwagon that he would be another rookie who could emerge into a starting role in the quarterback position.
All of that speculation might have changed.
Head coach Pete Carroll has got a situation in front of him in regards to his starting quarterback thanks to the emergence of Wilson. But it is becoming pretty clear who might win the role for the the Week 1 start.
Wilson has been very effective so far in preseason action. In his three games, he has completed 22 of 33 pass attempts for 279 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. Not to mention, he has done it with his legs as well rushing 140 yards and one score.
His ability to lead as a starter was proven in their win over Kansas City on Friday. He passed for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the Seahawks blowout win. This coming against the first-team defense of the Chiefs, not backups that he had faced in his two previous appearances.
The stats are there for Wilson, but the most compelling aspect to his play is that of how the offensive responds when he is under center.
The reality for Seattle is that they must improve from a 7-9 record in 2011. Flynn has been suffering from a sore arm this preseason but this still doesn’t deplete the fact that the Seahawks are a totally different team with Wilson under center. Improving on last year’s showing might be more successful with Wilson as their starting quarterback.
It all starts in Week 1 when the Seahawks’ schedule begins with a division game against Arizona.