Russell Wilson says experience isn’t everything for the Seahawks
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson saw a lot of great things on the second day of training camp. We’ll dig into the highlights.
Russell Wilson is clearly excited about the Seahawks in 2018. I suppose that isn’t exactly big news. I mean, geez, if your quarterback isn’t excited, there isn’t much chance of a decent season, is there? If he was just some random guy calling in to 710 ESPN, we’d say Russell had some hot takes. So let’s get to them.
One big question mark – or is it five? – is the play of the offensive line. The Seahawks need better run blocking, and better pass protection for the team’s most important player. As for the offensive line, Wilson likes what he sees, especially from left tackle Duane Brown:
"The line looks really good. Duane Brown’s a difference maker, I think, in terms of how he plays the game. He’s a phenomenal football player. We didn’t have him last year, early in the season, but now, he’s here now."
One fun note about Brown. At the end of practice Friday, the offensive line and quarterbacks ran a few sprints. On the final sprint, Brown reportedly crossed the finish line dead even with Wilson. In fact, he claims he nosed out his QB. Pretty impressive for a 315 pound behemoth entering his eleventh season.
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Wilson like what he sees on defense, too
It wasn’t all about the offense. Wilson had something to say about the defense, too. He was asked if there was different vibe on the defensive side of the ball now, with all the key players that have departed. Wilson acknowledged all the talent that left, but insisted the defense is just as hungry as ever:
"We’ve always kept it super competitive, nothing has changed. Obviously losing a Hall of Fame player in Richard Sherman, you know, you love. Have a lot of respect for how he’s always played the game, in terms of his toughness and his talent. Guys like Cliff Avril, you know, those guys are hard to replace. Michael Bennetts of the world, when they made the crucial plays…Kam Chancellor, you know, a championship player and leader."
It’s pretty obvious from his statement that Wilson has the greatest respect for the players that have moved on, especially Richard Sherman. After all, he mentioned him first. That doesn’t mean Wilson expects hard times for the Seahawks defense in 2018, though. Far from it.
"But it’s a new time, like I said earlier. I reflect back to my rookie year. We were the youngest team in the NFL…and the year we won the Super Bowl we were the youngest team too. Expectations, no one really knew what was gonna happen, whatever. I think, like I’ve always said, I think experience is only necessary for those who are unqualified."
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It sure seems like Wilson is right about experience and qualifications. He certainly was qualified in 2012, as was his fellow rookie Bobby Wagner. K. J. Wright and Sherman were just beginning their second year on that team. If you have talent, it will show. I’m pretty sure Russell Wilson has a good idea of who’s qualified, and who isn’t. For much more, watch his entire press conference right here.