After two pre-season games the Seahawks are 2-0 with wins at home against the Titans and a rare win at Denver, which is only their second pre-season win in ten attempts there. The defense appears to be coming along nicely, the secondary started the season by getting 2 picks against the Matt Hasselbeck /Jake locker led Titans and they followed that performance with spoiling Peyton Manning’s Mile High début by keeping him out of the end zone and snatching another two interceptions.
The Hawks also forced a fumble and held the Broncos to 247 total yards with an anemic 38 yards on the ground. First round pick Bruce Irvin got off a clean shot on Peyton towards the end of the second quarter, but that would be the only time Manning would be on the ground during the half. In fact, the Seahawks didn’t get any pressure on the Broncos QB which allowed Peyton to complete 16 of his 23 pass attempts for 177 yards. While Manning did move his team up and down the field, the Seattle defense kept the Broncos in check (4 of 6 Manning led drives produced 2 interceptions, a fumble and a 3 and out). By comparison, Matt Flynn and the Seattle air ”attack” looked pathetic. Flynn completed just 6 of his 13 pass attempts for a pitiful 31 yards making his pre-season totals: 17 for 26 with 102 yards, no touch downs and 1 pick. Flynn did throw a perfect 46 yarder to an open T. O. but Owens allowed the ball to slip through his hands in the end zone.
Russell Wilson however, continued to impress with the 2nd team unit. While playing the entire second half the former Badger went 10 for 17, racking up 155 yards and tossing 2 scores including a 34 yard strike to running back Tyrell Sutton. In the last 2 games Wilson is 22 of 33 with 3 scores and 1 interception. He has also displayed his running ability by rushing 8 times for 92 yards and a touch down. When comparing the two quarterbacks you would think that the competition for the starting job would be over but while Russell has shined, it has all been against 2nd or 3rd team secondaries .
For Wilson to be named the starter on opening day he needs to prove he can have success against a first team NFL defense. The only way he can do that is to start the all important game 3 against the Chiefs.The 3rd pre-season game is traditionally the one where the first team plays into the second half as a final tune up for the regular season. So this week Pete Carroll will finally have to tip his hand and give us a clue on which QB he is leaning toward. It would not be stretch to surmise that the quarterback who starts on Friday will have the inside track to the starting job.
Pete has to decide if he is going to risk it all and make Russell Wilson the shortest starting QB in the league or go with the safer pick, and start the prototypical sized Matt Flynn. Watch this one closely 12th man, because if Carroll makes the wrong choice it could effectively end his career with the Seahawks.
While we have you here, please take a moment to check out our Forums and Message Boards to discuss everything Seahawks, Mariners, SuperSonics, Sounders and more!
Follow us on Twitter @PaulNovakSSC and Like us on Facebook
Latest posts by Michael Young (see all)
- Enjoy the ride 12th Man – January 13, 2013
- Wilsons Stats Trump RG3 in Second Half – January 5, 2013
- How Russell Wilson Measures up to RG3, the first 8 games… – January 3, 2013
