Mike Pettine doesn’t consider Russell Wilson elite

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine doesn’t consider Russell Wilson elite.

Russell Wilson has been the hottest quarterback in the NFL over the past few weeks. Hooking up with wide receivers Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett, Wilson has enjoyed some of his best football since being drafted by the Seahawks. Wilson signed his big contract this summer, and many doubted his credentials to carry his team to another Super Bowl. It looks as though Mike Pettine agrees with such reservations.

While Pettine rates Wilson as a good quarterback, he does not see him as a Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers-type player. Per ESPN, Pettine stated:

"“Would you put him there with the guys that can transcend their supporting cast? The Bradys, whether it’s Aaron Rodgers, Bress, Roethlisberger, the ones that you would consider the two, three, four elite guys? No. But he’s certainly played himself into that next tier”"

Pettine’s Browns travel to Seattle on Sunday to play one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, spearheaded by their quarterback. Wilson has been quite frankly unbelievable over the past four weeks, throwing a ridiculous 16 touchdowns to zero interceptions at an unbelievable passer rating of 145.9. Even Pettine must admit that they are impressive numbers for any quarterback.

Whether Wilson is an elite quarterback or not is a debate that could well rage on for years. Pettine clearly does not rate Wilson as a truly top-quality player. However, there are many that would, and judging by recent performances, it may be harsh of Pettine to not rank Wilson among the best in the league.