Russell Wilson Named Week 1 Starter for Seattle Seahawks

The Russell Wilson era in Seattle has officially begun. 

Wilson and Matt Flynn have been battling it out for QB1 ever since the Seahawks surprisingly took the Wisconsin quarterback in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. Finally, the battle is over.

For now.

The news comes from head coach Pete Carroll (via the Seattle Seahawks' official Twitter account):

"

"Russell Wilson (@dangerusswilson) will start against the Raiders and will start the first week of the regular season." @petecarroll

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 27, 2012"

Considering the past few weeks, this decision doesn't come as a huge surprise. 

The 'Hawks signed Flynn from Green Bay to a three-year, $26 million deal—$10 million guaranteed—back in March with the thought that he would give the them the signal-caller they needed ever since Matt Hasselbeck's departure. 

But Wilson, despite being a so-called undersized rookie, wasn't ready to just concede the job. He turned it into a competition in training camp and flat-out won the job with his stellar preseason play. 

In three wins, the 23-year-old completed 67 percent of his throws for 464 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception. He also showed the ability to escape the pocket with 10 runs for a ridiculous 150 yards and a touchdown. 

Wilson got the chance to start this week against Kansas City when Flynn was scratched due to a "tired arm," and it was speculated that a good performance would win the rookie the job.

Well, I'd say he was good. Wilson went 13-of-19 for 185 yards and two touchdowns while dazzling on multiple long runs versus the Chiefs. The Seahawks won by 30. As expected, Wilson won the job. 

Still, don't expect this battle to go away. A couple of lackluster preseason performances shouldn't be the death sentence for Flynn. He's still proven to be efficient—albeit in just two regular season games—and Wilson is still a rookie. 

There's no question that Wilson is deserving of this honor. He was far more dynamic and proved to have the "it" factor. He did what he had to do to win the job. Now, he just has to do what it takes to keep the job. 

Follow @t_keen