NFL MVP Stock Watch, Week 2: Josh Jacobs debuts

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 13: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders kneels after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 13: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Russell Wilson, QB (Seattle Seahawks)

Last Week’s Ranking: 1st

2020 Stats: 31/35 (72.7% Comp), 322 Passing Yards, 4 Passing TDs, 0 INTs, 143.1 Passer Rating

The MVP redemption tour for Russell Wilson began in Week 1 and will continue its march through 2020. By the numbers, Wilson’s 143.1 passer rating was the sixth-best mark of his career. This is either a testament to Wilson’s greatness, the quirkiness of the passer-rating system, or both.

In any event, Wilson was marvelous and once again proved why it’s a consummate travesty that he’s never accrued a single MVP vote.

Against the Falcons in Week 1, the Seahawks passing defense was leaky, but that didn’t matter on the other side of the ball for Wilson. He returned the favor in dialing up the 11th game of his career in which he tossed four or more touchdown passes.

Wilson found running back Chris Carson twice for scores, which is a wee bit strange because Carson is not a renowned pass-catching back. New [but old] tight end Greg Olsen found the end zone, and so did wideout D.K. Metcalf.

Proficient scoring tendencies may be a requirement for the 2020 Seattle Seahawks. The Legion of Boom is completely deceased, and for some reason, fans just assume Seattle’s defense is still a menacing bunch. In 2019, they finished 22nd in points allowed and let in another 25 yesterday to Atlanta. There is still ample time for Seattle to stabilize the defensive side of the ball, but this bunch should no longer be feared.

Next week, Russell Wilson takes his candidacy for MVP back home to Seattle when the Seahawks host the Patriots on Sunday night football.

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