With the 2012 season just around the corner, Seattle has yet to pick a starting quarterback for the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals haven’t named a starter either, I might add. For Seattle, what once was a three person battle between Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Flynn, and Russell Wilson, is now a two man battle between the newcomers. Flynn and Wilson have shown Head Coach Pete Carroll enough that it has been reported that Seattle will either release or trade Tarvaris Jackson by this Saturday. Unless something happens to either Flynn or Wilson in the next preseason game, this is seemingly a done deal.
Jackson is out. So, Matt Flynn will be the starter then, right? No. Russell Wilson has played well in his two preseason appearances and is now set to start in the third preseason game. In two games, he has recorded 279 passing yards (6th), a 66.7 pass completion percentage (Tied for 3rd), and 3 touchdowns (tied for 2nd). He will be given the chance on Friday to showcase his talent against the first string defense of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs have played solid defense since Romeo Crennel took over as head coach last season. They currently rank 10th this preseason in passing yards allowed. This should be a great matchup to watch. If Wilson can keep his momentum going through this Friday’s matchup, then Seattle may have just found themselves a new quarterback.
Why not Russell Wilson? It seems as if rookie or sophomore quarterbacks are the way to go right now. Since the start of last season, there are nine, I repeat, nine 1st or 2nd year quarterbacks that have won a starting role for this season.
Here are this year’s rookies to already lock up a starting job: Andrew Luck, Brandon Weeden, Robert Griffin III, and Ryan Tannehill.
Here are the 2011 rookie quarterbacks who will start this season: Andy Dalton, Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton, Christian Ponder, and now Jake Locker.
Russell Wilson may be the tenth guy to join this group of young, talented quarterbacks.
For Matt Flynn, he may have to continue playing in a backup role. Something he was ready to step out of the moment he signed with Seattle this offseason. Flynn hasn’t played as well as Wilson. Although, he did have a deep touchdown pass that was dropped by Terrell Owens.
Pete Carroll may not announce a starter until the fourth and final preseason game. Whoever stands out against the Chiefs (ahem Russell Wilson) will get the job. It’s still up for grabs. It’s a new season. Either way, the Seahawks look to have a new quarterback this year. Why not give the keys to the young gunner out of Richmond, Virginia? As I’ve said before, he has the tools, minus the height, to become something special. He is a very smart passer, he has the mobility, and he has a strong arm.
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