Russell Wilson, The Real NFL MVP
Written By: Joseph Carosi
Most Valuable Player. Arguably the most coveted title an athlete can have during their career. It is awarded at the end of the regular season to the player media experts deem to be most valuable. For sports fans it is often the subject of debate, and it seems like there isn’t really a right or wrong answer. However, when it comes to the NFL, one player always seems to elevate his team more than anyone. The quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson
It’s important to start this article by defining what it means to be the MVP, or at least my interpretation. To me it’s simple: If you take “x” player off this team how would that team fare? The two most recent recipients of the award Lamar Jackson in 2019 and Patrick Mahomes in 2018 had a historic season that deserved MVP recognition, but if you took them off their teams it wouldn’t be that bad. The Baltimore Ravens went 10–6 and won the AFC East division with Joe Flacco as their starter in 2018. The 2017 Kansa City Chiefs also went 10–6 and won their division with Alex Smith at the helm. The Seahawks before Wilson started in 2012 had barely been a playoff caliber team. Somehow winning their division with a 7–9 record in 2010. Since Wilson started in 2012 they have made the playoffs in seven of their last eight seasons and never had a below .500 record. So already it’s clear he’s a huge difference maker for that team.
The 2019 Seahawks finished the season 11–5 and made the playoffs but lost in the divisional round to the Green Bay Packers. The games they lost were ones where Wilson didn’t play at his best. Against the Ravens in week he was 9/20 with 143 yards passing. One touchdown and one interception. A similar story played out against the Los Angeles Rams in week 14 where he didn’t throw a single touchdown. So, when Wilson doesn’t play MVP caliber football it often results in losses. His supporting cast is not quite good enough to propel them past a bad performance, which leads into the next point.
His supporting cast is subpar to say the least. One of the things that has marred Wilson throughout his career is the Seahawks defense. Specifically the Legion of Boom years the Seahawks weren’t known for their offense, it was all about the historic defense, which led them to a Superbowl victory. Most fans saw Wilson as a good quarterback, who could make magical plays at times, but overall chalked his success to his team’s defense rather than his ability as a quarterback. Also, Marshawn Lynch being there didn’t do him any favors in that regard.
Nowadays it’s a different story. With the exception of Bobby Wagner the other members of the Legion of Boom no longer play for the Seahawks. According to Pro-football-reference.com the Seahawks defense was ranked 22nd for the 2019 season. They gave up about 6000 yards passing and 4000 yards rushing and accounted for only 28 sacks, which was tied with the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions for second worst in the NFL. Only the Miami Dolphins were worse with 23. They did have 32 takeaways however, which was third in the league. Overall, these numbers don’t exactly scream playoffs.
Defense aside the most impressive thing Wilson has to overcome is his lack of great offensive tools. Remember when I mentioned those magical plays Wilson could make? Watch highlights from the 2019 season and you’ll see most of them are Wilson running for his life while somehow finding a receiver down field. That’s because according to Pro Football Focus the Seahawks offensive line was ranked 27th for the 2019 season. The Seahawks’ line allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on about 26 percent of their drop backs, which was third worst in the league. This resulted in the team allowing 48 sacks, which was tied for the most with the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons. Compared to Lamar Jackson who’s offensive line ranked second overall, or even Patrick Mahomes who’s o-line ranked 16th overall.
His offensive weapons didn’t help the bleeding much either. The only Seahawks player to make either the pro bowl or all-pro team was Russell Wilson. His best receiver Tyler Lockett did have a good season finishing with just over 1000 yards receiving and eight touchdowns on 82 receptions. D.K. Metcalf did start to emerge later into the season and looks to be a promising receiver if he can stay healthy, but other than these two there aren’t really any noteworthy receivers. It’s a similar story with rushing. Their primary running back Chris Carson had a great year for fantasy football. Finishing with 1230 yards rushing, good for fifth in the league, and averaged 82 yards per game, good for sixth overall. He only averaged 4.4 yards per attempt though, which according to teamrankings.com is tied for 22nd in the league, including QB’s. He also was fifth in the league in rushing attempts at 278. It’s definitely good enough, but not quite enough to relieve the pressure from Wilson.
Through all of these setbacks Wilson managed to put together a great season. He threw 31 touchdowns, which was third in the league, to only five interceptions. A 66 percent completion percentage, 4110 passing yards, and an ESPN quarterback rating of 69.8, which was fifth in the league. When factoring in the offensive line problems and lack of depth at the receiving and running back positions it makes these stats stand out more. Especially because the four players in front of him Dak Prescott, Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson all have far better help on the offense.
One other thing that has also been overshadowed is his ability to stay on the field. Since he became the starter for the Seahawks Wilson has never missed a single game. Adding onto his already impressive resume.
In closing, if not for Patrick Mahomes, Wilson would be the best QB in the league. Sounds contradictory, but it’s clear Mahomes is better overall, however when talking which of the two is more valuable to their team. Wilson comes out on top by far. His ability to elevate the players around him and give his team a chance to win in any game he starts makes him the real MVP of the NFL.
