NFL: Future Is Bright for Russell Wilson, Seahawks After Comeback over Patriots

The Seattle Seahawks pulled off the upset of the week when they defeated the New England Patriots this afternoon at CenturyLink Field. 

The upset is largely due in part to the stellar play of rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, who was 16-of -27 for 293 yards and three touchdowns. The former Wisconsin QB capped off the game-winning drive for Seattle with a 46-yard strike to Sidney Rice in the final minutes. 

Seattle's victory puts it at 4-2 on the season and in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC West along with the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers.

While running back Marshawn Lynch and wide receiver Sidney Rice are contributors to Seattle's unexpected resurgence, Wilson should be given a majority of the credit for the offensive improvements. 

Wilson came into this preseason as a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft, and although he was a solid quarterback coming out of college, concerns about his rather diminutive 5'10" stature led to the fall of his draft stock. He also came in with low expectations, as the Seahawks had recently signed former Green Bay Packers QB Matt Flynn to a three-year, $26 million contract to be Seattle's next starting quarterback. 

However, following Wilson's excellent preseason performance in which he established himself as an excellent pocket passer and decent running threat, Pete Carroll chose instead to give his rookie signal-caller the starting duties. 

Wilson has rewarded his coach's faith by leading Seattle to an impressive 4-2 mark on the season.  

Seattle's comeback victory over the New England Patriots team today largely seems to affirm the distinction of the Seahawks looking to be a team to be reckoned with late in the season. They also appear to be contenders for the NFC West title, and if that happens, look for Russell Wilson to lead a surprise postseason run.