Seattle Seahawks: 5 Reasons Charlie Whitehurst Should Win the QB Battle

With veteran Matt Hasselbeck now with the Tennessee Titans, the Seahawks are left with a mess at the quarterback position between Charlie Whitehurst and newcomer Tarvaris Jackson.

This is a heated battle and last night’s game against Jackson’s former team, the Minnesota Vikings, shed some more light on which the Seahawks are leaning towards to lead the team.

Here are the five reasons Charlie Whitehurst should win the quarterback battle.

5. Whitehurst Has Had Two Better Preseason Games

While neither quarterback looked brilliant against the San Diego Chargers, it was clear who had the better game.

Whitehurst went 14-for-20 passing with 115 yards passing and a QB rating of 84.4. As for Jackson, he completed 3-for-5 passes for only 13 yards.

Whitehurst totaled 13 yards on the ground to Jackson’s 12. Jackson was sacked on a third-and-long situation where he clearly should have gotten rid of the football sooner. Jackson narrowly avoided another sack as he looked uncomfortable in the pocket.

The game against Minnesota looked a little bit better for Jackson, but not much. He threw a pick-six (not his fault) and he looked slightly more comfortable. Slightly.

It was Whitehurst though who continues to look sharp. The Seahawks’ only touchdown was a Whitehurst pass, and he was by far the best quarterback in the game.

4. Whitehurst Has a Better Connection with the Receivers

Yes, the Seahawks brought Sidney Rice over from Minnesota (Jackson’s former stomping ground), but it is clear that the timing and communication between Jackson and the receivers are off.

Whitehurst has been a part of the organization a year longer than Jackson and it showed against the Chargers and Vikings. Maybe Jackson just needs more time, but so far it looks bad.

3. Jackson Stuggles Reading Defenses

Is it just me, or does Tarvaris Jackson look like he has no idea where he was or what he was supposed to be doing when he's on the field? 

Jackson has a serious problem reading defenses and is used to relying on his athletic ability to bail him out. You see it far too often in the NFL. Occasionally you’ll get a Michael Vick, but Jackson is no Vick. Jackson has a lot to work on between now and September 11.

2. Whitehurst Is Far More Accurate

This one is pretty obvious. Whitehurst is the pocket passer with far better accuracy and precision in his passes.

Jackson has struggled with interceptions his entire pro career going back to his days in Minnesota.

Whitehurst is hardly perfect when it comes to throwing interceptions, but his accuracy is far better.

Whether it’s a deep pass or short dump off, Whitehurst is by far the better option.

1. Whitehurst Is Simply a Better Fit for the Offense

The previous slides have been leading to this. Whitehurst is simply the best option for the Seahawks moving forward.

Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell enters his 12th season in the NFL (his previous five with the Minnesota Vikings) and he’s known for getting the best out of his players. With the Vikings, Bevell guided Brett Favre to the best season of his career (statistically).

Whitehurst is the pocket passer the Seahawks need and want.

A fun fact: Tarvaris Jackson is the only Seahawks quarterback who hasn’t thrown a touchdown. And he’s also the only one who has thrown an interception.