Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks made a lot of noise over the weekend when they decided to give 2012 third-round draft pick Russell Wilson the starting QB gig over Matt Flynn, their big free agency acquisition of the summer.  Ian Furness from Sportsradio KJR in Seattle joined Chad on The Morning Sports Page to give his take on the decision.

In Furness’ mind, Russell Wilson won the starting QB job more so than Matt Flynn lost it.  Through three preseason games, the Seahawks went 3-0 and Flynn went 17-26 for 102 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception.  And one of those balls would have been a touchdown if Terrell Owens hadn’t dropped it.

The fact is, Russell Wilson just played so well that Carroll and company had no choice but to give the Rookie phenom the starting gig.  Not only did he have better numbers (five TDs, one Int), but he is a natural leader for the team and he has that “It” factor that engages players and makes them want to play with him and for him. 

“He is a guy that they’ll play for – I thought that Leon Washington’s block of Eric Berry was an example of that – It’s a preseason game…Leon Washington’s a veteran.  And he’s laying a guy out with his head first.  That’s what they’re doing for this guy and it’s kind of an amazing thing to watch.”

Furness also implies that he thinks the Seahawks found a gem in Wilson.  If it weren’t for his unimpressive height, Wilson probably would have been a first round draft pick.  He’s accurate with the football.  He makes good decisions.  He reads defenses well.  He’s got great athleticism.  And his maturity is off the charts.  It’s just the fact that he is 5’10’’ that he was not drafted right up there with Andrew Luck and Robert Griifin III.

Take a listen as Furness critiques Wilson’s play and breaks down the NFL season.  And be sure to check him out at Sportradio KJR – when you’re not tuned into 750thegame of course.