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Seattle Seahawks: Quarterback preview – Three big questions

By Matt Barry

CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts as a touchdown is called back after a Seahawk penalty during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts as a touchdown is called back after a Seahawk penalty during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes the ball during the game against the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at CenturyLink Field on December 31, 2017. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes the ball during the game against the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at CenturyLink Field on December 31, 2017. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images) /

Can Russell Wilson continue his clutch play?

Russell Wilson has played in two Super Bowls and is a Pete Carroll brain cramp away from winning both. He has a winner’s mentality and leadership skills that are off the charts. Additionally, the Virginia native has a high football IQ and scored a solid 28 on the Wonderlic test at the NFL combine in 2012. He was drafted in the third round and was the sixth quarterback selected, largely due to his height. 

Last season, he continued to show his football smarts in the fourth quarter. His completion percentage in the fourth was just shy of 68 percent and that’s when he threw 19 of his 34 touchdowns.

His career record is 65-30-1. Even though his passing stats may not be as prolific as Brady or Rodgers, Wilson has a career completion percentage of 64.1 percent and is a prototypical dual-threat behind center. When the money has been on the line, the Seattle signal caller has come through more often than not. This bodes well for a team that has undergone significant roster movement. The Seahawks will need his calm and poised demeanor, even more, this season. 

When graded by Pro Football Focus, Wilson is the second best clutch quarterback the last three seasons behind Tom Brady. Last season, Wilson used his clutch gene to take the Seahawks 85 yards in 1:18 late in the fourth quarter to beat the Houston Texans in come-from-behind fashion, 38-34.

It will be interesting to see if Wilson can continue his highly efficient play with a less talented team. In past years, the Seahawks have had playmakers on defense, including last season when Seattle was 11th in takeaways with 25. This has given Wilson extra possessions. He may have to take more chances this season down the field and outscore opponents more than earlier in his career. Last season Seattle averaged 22.9 points per game, but only 17.3 in the last three games.

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