Wilson will be the difference that drives Seahawks in Carroll’s 3rd year

Seahawks Weekly Report

Entering his third season as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, expectations will be much higher for Pete Carroll and his players this time around. The Seahawks learned very quickly that a 7-9 record wouldn’t be good enough to win the division for a second consecutive season when the San Francisco 49ers won 13 games a year ago, and even the Arizona Cardinals finished with a better record at 8-8.

Carroll and general manager John Schneider continued to revamp the roster this past offseason and while there were plenty of changes, one in particular could be the difference that helps Seattle clinch its first winning season since 2007. Rookie third-round pick quarterback Russell Wilson has been named the starter for week one, and could be the leader that helps this team finally break through to the next online sportsbook level.

Wilson would have been a top-10 pick if it wasn’t for his lack of ideal size, but as he showed at Wisconsin he has plenty of talent to help compensate for his 5’11’’ frame. The 23-year old has plenty of arm strength and his sports betting numbers a year ago were better than any other college passer taken ahead of him in the NFL draft.

Wilson has already shown how his talents transcend at the professional level with a strong preseason, and more important than his physical traits is his ability as a leader.

Reports out of Seattle are that Wilson showed up to the team’s facility at 6:30 am every morning and learned the playbook faster than free agent signing Matt Flynn, and that incredible work ethic won’t dim anytime soon.

In addition to Wilson at quarterback, the Seahawks also upgraded the receiver core with the addition of Braylon Edwards and a healthy Sidney Rice.

Golden Tate is still learning and Ben Obamanu has a history of injuries, but each will provide solid depth behind Rice and Edwards.

Carroll and his staff felt confident enough in tight end Zach Miller to release Kellen Winslow despite the solid preseason numbers the latter put up, and with running back Marshawn Lynch joining Wilson in the backfield there are tons of weapons to spread the ball around with.

The Seahawks’ offensive line is also very improved, and it’s not unreasonable to think this online betting group will break in to the top half of the NFL in scoring. Seattle’s defense ranked in the top-10 a year ago, and is more than capable to hold its own.

With the 49ers continuing to roll, the Seahawks will still be in tough to challenge for a division title even if Wilson performs at a high level.

However, there are major 5Dimes question marks in both St. Louis and Arizona, and four wins against those two teams should put Seattle in a great position to challenge for an NFC Wild Card spot.

Expectations are much higher heading in to Carroll’s third season as coach of the Seahawks, and while the entire roster has been upgraded over that span, it is Wilson’s potential that will be the difference if this team finally gets to the next level this season.

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