Russell Wilson Earns Early Passing Grades

Earlier this week, I asked you to grade Russell Wilson’s performance through the first 2 weeks. I have to say, I really think that most who voted got it right. I’d say that he deserves about a “B” grade so far.

Sep 16, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the 1st half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

Wilson hasn’t been stellar, but he hasn’t been bad. For a rookie who wasn’t given the practice reps that other rookies usually get, I’d say he’s played better than expected.

Statistically, his performance looks like 61.1% completion percentage, with a 5.6 yards per attempt average, and a QB rating of 81.1. That’s pretty good, right? well, maybe not.

His 5.6 yards per attempt is 31st in the league, and his QB rating is 23rd in the league. So perhaps he hasn’t been as good statistically as we thought he was.

As a reference, last season Tarvaris Jackson’s average was per attempt was 6.8 yards per attempt, and his QB rating was 79.2. So Wilson is getting less out of each pass, but is also not turning the ball over as much, hence the higher passer rating.

When compared to other rookies, which is a much more fair way to judge Wilson to this point, Wilson stacks up really well. His 81.1 rating is better than Andrew Luck (75.2), Ryan Tannehill (62.6), and Brandon Weeden (57.6). Only Robert Griffin (111.6) has been better.

The advanced metrics tell a similar story. Pro Football Focus rates him as the 23rd best QB so far with a -.1 rating. That’s better than Weeden (-8.3) and almost even with Luck (0.0) and just behind Tannehill (0.7)

Basically, the story so far, any way you shake it, is that Wilson has been slightly below league average so far when compared to everyone, and slightly above average when compared to the other rookie.

And the best thing is, he’ll only get better with more experience.