Russell Wilson is at his best when the pressure is at the highest

The Seahawks gave Russell Wilson a massive contract, now let him do what he excels at: performing at his best when the pressure is at its highest.

Green Bay is known for its cooler temperatures. The average temperature year around is just 45 degrees, with January sitting at 18 degrees. For the game Sunday, we are looking at a 25-degree day with very little wind nor much chance of precipitation. Fortunately for the Seahawks, Russell Wilson actually posts his best games in 21-40-degree weather. His average touchdowns per game sits at 2.15 with a 64% completion percentage, per Gregg Bell.

This is a very needed stat. While looking up information for this game I have seen nothing but somber posts. Pete Carroll has only two NFC cities that he has never won a game in, Tampa Bay and Green Bay. The Seahawks are 2-8 in the last 10 meetings at Lambeau Field, including 8 straight losses. The last win coming from 1999 with Jon Kitna leading the Seahawks to a 27-7 victory. Russell Wilson’s last 3 games at Lambeau, he has averaged only 57% completion percentage with 3 touchdowns to 6 interceptions.

The Packers offense this year is dynamic both in terms of passing and running. Aaron Rodgers has 26 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. He may not be the elite quarterback he once was, but he is still in the upper echelon of the NFL. Meanwhile, the two-headed monsters for their running game in Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams have been impressive this year. Aaron Jones posted his first 1,000-yard rushing season, with an average of 4.6 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Jamaal Williams has been a premier 3rd down back with an impressive 86.7% catch percentage when thrown to, along with 5 receiving touchdowns.

The Packers defense has been phenomenal under first-year head coach Matt LaFleur. Both Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith have amassed 12+ sacks in their first season in the green and yellow. Their pass defense has been a menace for teams all year, they have amassed 17 interceptions, which is good for 3rd in the NFL. If there were a weakness, it would be the running defense. Over their last 4 games they have allowed an average of 4.6 yards per carry.

Pete Carroll told reporters Monday that the Seahawks would be turning over the running back reigns to Marshawn Lynch in Sunday’s matchup. This is a massive opportunity for the one-time superstar to add to his already impressive resume. Could you imagine the confidence the offense would pick up if Lynch somehow pulls off another Beast Quake run?

Another element that needs to be exploited is through Russell Wilson. The Packers defense in particular has struggled against mobile quarterbacks. One could say they are simply too confident in their pass rush and cornerbacks play. If the QB breaks containment, there should be a lot of open field. The Seahawks need to run a few RPOs (run-pass options) and play action plays to keep the defense playing honest. Get Russell Wilson in a position to succeed.

Seattle on defense should focus on shutting down Devante Adams and the RBs. If Seattle can shut down Adams, Green Bay has no other consistent wide receivers to throw to. I would focus Quandre Diggs on helping with coverage on Adams. I would then task one of the linebackers with spying on the RBs. This would force Rodgers to win the game himself with a subpar remaining cast around him. Trust me it is easier said than done.

This season Wilson has the highest mark of his career in both fourth quarter comebacks (4) and game winning drives (5). This is all in a year most players would simply cruise through after receiving a record breaking contract extension. Somehow, a new fire has been lit, this is not the Russell of old. He has transformed into an NFL legend to come.

Players, coaches and fans alike can’t help but be drawn to the guy with his upbeat tempo, positive energy and his undying will to thrive through adversity. Russell posted the second-most passing yards, the best touchdown to interception ratio and third-highest quarterback rating of his career this year. This is all while being sacked a league high 48 times.

Seattle gave Wilson a massive contract making the highest paid player in the NFL. Now, let him do what he excels at, performing at his best when the pressure is at its highest. If Seattle is going to win, they are going to need Russell Wilson to dig deep and pull out one of the best games of his career. If Seattle can beat Green Bay, I see no reason they can’t win it all this year.