Why Russell Wilson Will Have Better Rookie Season Than Brandon Weeden

Russell Wilson and Brandon Weeden are rookie quarterbacks. They didn't fit the traditional mold of collegiate prospects entering the NFL. To some, they were selected too early in the draft. They have a host of skeptics. They will start for teams looking to reemerge as contenders in their respective conferences. They have solid running games to lean on.

With so many similarities, it's difficult to predict which first-year signal-caller will piece together the more productive season in 2012. 

This breakdown will dissect why Wilson will be have a better rookie season in Seattle than Weeden has in Cleveland. 

(Now, the term "better" can be subjective, but I'll cover all possible descriptions of "better" leading to a final conclusion.)

From a Statistical Standpoint

There's a chance Weeden actually finishes 2012 with more passing yards and touchdown passes than Wilson. But before you think I've contradicted my assertion that Wilson will have the better year in the second sentence of my analysis, hear me out. 

From top to bottom, the Seahawks have a more talented and deep roster than the Browns. Seattle's defense is vastly underrated and Brandon Browner, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor anchor one of the more stingy secondaries in the NFC. 

In all likelihood, Weeden's Browns, who to a degree are underrated themselves, will be playing from behind more often than Wilson's Seahawks, thus leading to more passing attempts, yards and touchdowns for the former Oklahoma State Cowboy.

That doesn't necessarily mean he'll be more effective.

Due to what will almost assuredly be more passing attempts, Weeden will be sacked more, will throw more interceptions and will have a worse touchdown-to-interception ratio. 

Compared to most, I'm averse to factoring in schedules when it comes to seasonal predictions, but I'm not naive when it comes to clubs who will field strong offensive or defensive units. 

Weeden will face the following defenses in 2012; Bengals (twice), Steelers (twice), Ravens (twice), Eagles, Giants and Chiefs—you tell me what you think about his chances to play consistently.

Meanwhile, Wilson will face the 49ers (twice), Jets and Bears. 

Each respective team will rely on its talented running backs to carry the offense, but Weeden will simply be placed in more situations to pass the football during second-half comeback efforts. 

So, if to you, a 19-touchdown, 18-interception season is "better" than a 16-touchdown, nine-interception season, then Weeden "wins" the stat category. 

I would take the more efficient stat line every time.

From a Win-Loss Perspective

Many of the same reasons why Wilson won't be asked to be spectacular as a passer by lighting up the stat book explain why the Seahawks' quarterback will have a more successful season in the win-loss column. 

When comparing both receiving corps, neither club boasts a truly formidable group. But the Seahawks probably have more depth with Doug Baldwin, Ben Obomanu, Braylon Edwards, Golden Tate, Kellen Winslow and Zach Miller. 

Certainly, Greg Little has the talent to blossom in his second season and Josh Gordon is a true wild card oozing with upside, but I'd have to give the Seahawks a slight advantage in the pass-catching department. 

Having to defend the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Cam Newton and Matthew Stafford will likely lead to a regression for a Seahawks defensive unit that allowed the 10th-fewest yards and fifth-fewest points per drive in 2011, but a time-controlling ground game will alleviate pressure from Seattle's defense. 

Trent Richardson has the potential to win over fans in Cleveland in his rookie season, but his knee issues are worrisome. Can the team rely on him as an old-school feature back for an entire 16-game schedule? 

The Seahawks' trio of Marshawn Lynch, Leon Washington and Robert Turbin will ultimately be far more productive than Richardson and the rest of the Browns' runners. 

Conclusion

Weeden will have a much harder time staying efficient as a passer, playing from behind against teams that should feel strong defenses. Both will be play in run-heavy, play-action-heavy offenses, but Seattle's backs will outproduce Cleveland's, making life easier for Wilson. 

With similar skill sets and the natural ability to become viable NFL starters, the atmosphere around each quarterback will ultimately decide who has the more productive, or better rookie campaign—which will be the Seahawks' Russell Wilson.

Follow @ChrisTrapasso