Russell Wilson wants to throw more, and the Seahawks should listen

Russell Wilson wants to throw more, and the Seahawks need to listen.

As the Seattle Seahawks continue to have a run-oriented offense, the idea of taking the ball out of of Russell Wilson’s hands is met with rightful criticism. There’s even a social media hashtag and catch-phrase-“Let Russ Cook.”

Via Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune, the Seahawks had the third-most total rushing attempts in the league last year. In 2018, they had the most total rushing attempts in the league. Wilson’s own prowess as a runner pushes those numbers up. But offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s game plans actively minimize one of the league’s best quarterbacks until he’s called upon to come to the rescue.

Wilson should have more control over the Seattle offense, and a lack of throwing is not because the Seahawks lack weapons.

Wilson has led 32 fourth quarter or overtime comebacks during his career, including playoffs, which are the most such comebacks in the NFL since his career started in 2012. The Seahawks are also 57-0 when leading by four points or more at halftime since 2012, including postseason games.

The Seahawks have to let Russell Wilson cook

The change Seattle’s play-calling from quarters 1-3 to the fourth quarter over the last few years backs up the notion Wilson has to rescue victory from defeat far too often.

Wilson had the perfect punch line for the idea of putting the ball in his hands earlier in games.

“I do believe, I definitely believe, in finishing strong,” Wilson said. “I think we’ve won a lot of games in the fourth quarter and been able to do some fun things in the fourth quarter and the end of games.

“But let’s treat every quarter like the fourth.”

Wilson, as any great quarterback does, wants the ball in his hands more from the start of games as well as the game on his shoulders when it matters most. The Seahawks should listen, and start tilting their run-pass balance toward their best player way earlier in games.