NorthKitsapHerald.com The Daily Herald
Page A14
Saturday, 12.21.2013
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What makes Russell so good? productivity, but on something beyond his control — his height. Yet where most teams saw 5-foot-10 5/8 as an insurmountable hurdle for an NFL quarterback, the Seahawks saw a player
Despite boasting an impressive college resume, Russell Wilson watched NFL teams pick 74 players ahead of him in the 2012 draft, including a punter. The snub was not based on Wilson’s skills or
with enough going for him to overcome his lack of height. Here’s what has allowed Wilson to transcend his diminutive — by NFL quarterback standards, at least — stature:
The road to the Super Bowl
I
HEAD Wilson’s work ethic is legendary. He will out-work, outstudy and out-prepare just about any opponent, and has the intelligence not just to be prepared for a game, but also to know how to keep himself safe on the run, a key element for a mobile quarterback.
EYES Plenty of quarterbacks can buy time with their legs; few are as adept at keeping their eyes downfield as they move, leading to huge plays when the coverage breaks down. Vision is also key for shorter quarterbacks who need to be able to find passing lanes through taller linemen.
ARM Often times undersized quarterback means undersized arm, but that’s not the case with Wilson, who has a powertful arm, even by NFL standards. And, perhaps just as important, that arm is extremely accurate.
HEART No matter how physically talented or intelligent Wilson is, he still had to overcome a lifetime of people telling him he was too small, that he should stick with baseball or move to safety or wide receiver. Wilson’s unwavering belief in his ability to be great is a big reason why he’s become one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks.
n the Seattle Seahawks’ 38-year history, the team has won one conference championship (2005), seven division championships (1988, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010) and made 13 playoff appearances (1983, 1984, 1999, 1989, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013). But the Super Bowl title has been elusive; the Hawks’ only appearance in the NFL championship game was in 2006. Could this be the Seahawks’ year? Thanks to the North Kitsap Herald’s sister newspaper, the Daily Herald of Everett, we are publishing a series of pages following the Seahawks on the road to the playoffs and, hopefully, beyond. These pages will help you document this potentially historic year in regional professional sports — and provide you with a memento worth keeping.
A season of firsts First-ever 4-0 start n Best 12-game start in team history n First team in the NFL to reach 12 wins this season n First team in the NFL to clinch a playoff berth this season n First time in franchise history that the team has had back-to-back seasons of 11 wins or more n
HANDS Wilson may be undersized for a quarterback, but he actually had the biggest hands of any quarterback at last year’s NFL Scouting Combine. That’s imperative for ball security, especially for a quarterback who plays in a soggy climate.
LEGS Wilson’s weekly Houdini acts don’t just keep him out of harm’s way, they set up some of the Seahawks’ biggest plays. Wilson could thrive as a pocket passer, but his elusiveness and running ability only make Seattle’s offense that much more difficult to defend. Heading into Sunday’s game against Arizona, he ranks second on the team in rushing yards with 508.
WILSON’S 2013 NUMBERS Height................5-10 5⁄8 Weight .................... 206 Age ............................25 Experience ........2nd year Games........................14 Attempts ................. 357 Completions ............ 231 Passing Yards........ 3,077 Touchdowns ...............24 Interceptions ................8 QB rating.............. 105.0
FEET Story by John Boyle Photo by Jennifer Buchanan Everett Herald / Sound Publishing
Friday, December 20, 2013 | North Kitsap Herald
Wilson’s arm strength helps him make those impressive throws on the run, but so too does his ability to get his feet in proper position even while evading pressure. Proper footwork within the pocket is essential for any quarterback, but especially for an undersized one who needs to be in the right place to find the right passing lanes.
Preseason Aug. 8 Aug. 17 Aug. 23 Aug. 29
Seahawks 31 Seahawks 40 Seahawks 17 Seahawks 22
Chargers 10 Broncos 10 Packers 10 Raiders 6
REGULAR SEASON Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 17 Oct. 28 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Bye Dec. 2 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29
Seahawks 12 Seahawks 29 Seahawks 45 Seahawks 23 Colts 34 Seahawks 20 Seahawks 34 Seahawks 14 Seahawks 27 Seahawks 33 Seahawks 41
Panthers 7 49ers 3 Jaguars 17 Texans 20 Seahawks 28 Titans 13 O c t . Cardinals 22 Rams 9 Buccaneers 24 Falcons 10 Vikings 20
Seahawks 34 49ers 19 Seahawks 23 Cardinals Rams
Saints 7 Seahawks 17 Giants 0 1:05 p.m., Fox 1:25 p.m., Fox
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