Despite Loss, Russell Wilson is Most Deserving of NFL Rookie of the Year Honors


Daniel Shirey: USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson has simply been outstanding this season. On Sunday, he continued to impress as he brought his Seattle Seahawks back from 20 points down to take a one-point lead over the Atlanta Falcons with less than a minute remaining on the clock. Unfortunately, the Seahawks defense did not live up to their end of the bargain, and the Falcons won the game on a 49-yard field goal with eight seconds left, sending Seattle home.

Wilson and his team fell into an early slump, and they went into the locker room at the half after being shut out in the first two quarters.

Regardless, he and the Seattle offense came alive in the second half. In the fourth quarter when the pressure of the season reached a fever pitch, Wilson took over the game, demonstrating his athleticism while escaping the Falcons defense to put team in position to win the game; unfortunately, it didn’t matter in the end.

But that should take away from Wilson’s outstanding, clutch performance.

In another other season, Russell would be the hands down favorite to bring home NFL Rookie of the Year honors; the only problem is that in the year of the rookie quarterback, he has to battle Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin, III and Indianapolis Colts gunslinger Andrew Luck, the first two picks in the 2012 Draft. However, despite the stellar play of both Griffin and Luck all season long, Wilson, the 75th over all pick, should take home coveted prize.

During the regular season, Wilson racked up over 3,000 yards passing, and his 26 touchdowns tied a rookie record held by none other than the great Peyton Manning. He added almost 500 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

That’s not to say that Luck and RGIII aren’t deserving as well, but in a very close race, what sets Wilson apart from the others is his post-season play, even in spite of today’s loss. In his two post-season games, Russell passed for 572 yards–389 yards coming in the loss to Atlanta.

In the end, Russell was the last rookie standing, and he did what was required of him when it mattered the most.

I am not certain if those who vote  for the Rookie of the Year will see it my way, but if I had a vote myself, it would go to Russell Wilson. Hands down.

 



The Ravens and 49ers are ready to do battle in the Harbowl on February 3! Get all your Super Bowl 2013 news at Rant Sports with our Harbaugh Bowl page.

What Every NFL team in the 2013 NFL Draft needs
Who should your favorite NFL team draft in 2013? Check out the top 5 prospects by position
Check out our 2013 mock draft for the NFL Draft


Make a Rant

Around the Web