NFL: Could Russell Wilson Have An Even Better Year Two

Russell Wilson. Photo credit NFL 

All things considered, it is hard to imagine Russell Wilson having a better season than he did in 2012. After being selected and considered a career backup by many in the NFL, he started for the Seahawks and led them to the playoffs. Now, Wilson is not sneaking up on anyone. The question is, can he excel even more in year two?

All good quarterbacks have talent, but they need help to truly get over the hump. Wilson has the luxury of playing on a team with perhaps the best defense in the NFL. That puts less pressure on Wilson to put up crazy numbers, which allows him to play relaxed and controlling.

Many forget that 2012 did not start out that great for Wilson, but coach Pete Carroll stuck with him all the way through his two outstanding playoff games. He continually improved his ability to make smart decisions in the pocket, turning the ball over just 13 times during the season and quickly becoming one of the top picks in daily fantasy sports.

Overall, his numbers in 2012 were outstanding. He threw for 3118 yards and touchdowns as a first-year starter in the NFL. Now with a year under his belt and team built to win a lot of games, Wilson could begin posting MVP-type numbers.

It is hard to genuinely put Wilson in the same class as Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck just yet, but the numbers are hard to argue against. Those other two are less likely to make a MVP or Super Bowl run right now, simply because their team is not as complete. Wilson has a strong core of receivers, Marshawn Lynch to hand the ball to and the best defense in the league.

In 2013, expect improvement out of Wilson. Unless the Seahawks rattle off 13 wins or more, the quarterback won’t be a legitimate MVP threat. However, what at one point seemed to be a complete fantasy could actually happen if he continues to progress. Wilson appears to just be getting started after finishing 2012 on such a high note.