NFL: 5 takeaways from Week 3

Sep 21, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) greet in the middle of the field after the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Denver 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

1 of 5

Sep 21, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Russell Wilson narrative is shooting to all new heights.

He’s garnering the majority of the headlines after the Seattle Seahawks pulled out a 26-20 overtime win against the Denver Broncos in a Super Bowl rematch. Wilson is getting lauded for leading a game-winning drive in overtime.

Here’s a link to the ESPN play by play from that drive.

Wilson played efficient football as the Seahawks marched the ball down the field. He made smart decisions when to pull the ball down and didn’t force any throws. Marshawn Lynch ran well, the offensive line blocked well and Percy Harvin picked up some key yards. The play calling from offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell was tremendous.

The Seahawks quarterback helps push the narrative surrounding him forward with quotes like this to Peter King for his Monday Morning Quarterback column:

"I know I shouldn’t say this, but I actually wanted overtime. I live for those moments."

This portion of the weekly wrap up isn’t to say Russell Wilson is a bad quarterback — Wilson is good to very good. It’s about the need to continually inflate quarterbacks based on team success. We’ve seen this with Eli Manning, Joe Flacco and now the same thing is happening with Wilson. Being on a good team, winning a lot of games and a Super Bowl doesn’t mean you belong in the conversation with Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.

Over the course of their careers those QBs have lifted inferior teams and units to heights they didn’t belong. At this point Wilson is more like early career Tom Brady. The New England Patriots won a ton of games and championships, Brady was the quarterback, yet wasn’t the player he eventually became. New England revolved around a good running game and its defense.

Wilson’s skill set with his legs and arm strength are integral to the offensive scheme Seattle runs. Through this point in his career he’s fitting in as a complement to the Seahawks run game and defense. He brings exactly what they need.

We have to remember the NC State/Wisconsin product is only entering his third season in the NFL. None of this is saying he won’t eventually develop into a higher level player worthy of such praise.

It may very well come in time, we just aren’t there right now.

Home/Dallas Cowboys