Seattle Seahawks: 15 greatest quarterbacks in franchise history

Tarvaris Jackson, better known as Russell Wilson’s backup, was still a decent quarterback when he started for the Seahawks. Jackson was never viewed as the long-term starter in Seattle, as Seattle signed Matt Flynn and then drafted Wilson before the 2012 season. But Jackson was decent in 2011 and was the best backup Wilson has ever had because he could run the same kind of offense Wilson can run.

But for Jackson’s sake, let us focus on what he did on his own merit. Jackson started 14 games for Seattle in 2011 and went 7-7. He threw for 3,091 yards and 14 touchdowns. That isn’t terrible. He was sacked 42 times which goes to show how bad of an offensive line he was playing behind. And going 7-7 with a young, yet talented defense and a not-great offense says a lot.

After 2011, Jackson threw just 20 passes for Seattle as Wilson became firmly entrenched as the starter. Jackson wasn’t just a decent backup and OK starter, though. He helped groom Wilson be the quarterback that he became and that should say something.

Was Jackson among the best quarterbacks in the NFL during his time as a starter? No. But he did help Seattle become a franchise that would eventually win a Super Bowl.