Russell Wilson to Tyler Lockett for 49-yard TD (video)

Russell Wilson connected with Tyler Lockett for a 49-yard touchdown.

Russell Wilson has his Seattle Seahawks very much alive in the NFC Wild Card race with tremendous growth as a pocket passer in Year 4 as a professional. Wilson connects with rookie wide receiver Tyler Lockett out of Kansas State for a 49-yard bomb on the road against the Baltimore Ravens to go up big.

Wilson’s pass looked effortless, as it landed perfectly in Lockett’s arms at the Ravens’ 5-yard line from being launched at midfield. His improved pocket presence has the Seahawks as the scariest underdog likely bound for the NFC Playoffs. Seattle won’t catch the first-place Arizona Cardinals in the NFC East, but should stand as a terrifying matchup for either the NFC North or NFC East division winner.

This touchdown catch of Lockett’s proves that his breakaway speed that made him a prized prospect out of K-State will translate to the professional level. He’s made a name for himself as a return specialist already, but once he understands offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s route trees, he could become the vertical receiving threat that Seattle has not had in the Pete Carroll era in the Pacific Northwest.

In the last few weeks, there may not be a better passer than Wilson now that he has found stability behind an improved offensive line in Seattle. How he handles himself in the pocket in the final weeks could shape how the Seahawks navigate possibly a third consecutive trip to the NFC Championship, potentially even another Super Bowl berth.