Russell Wilson blocks downfield!

Other writers have already chronicled many aspects of Seattle's glorious road win over Washington last week.

Many have marveled at Russell Wilson's prowess as a passer and a runner, but his ability as a downfield blocker for Marshawn Lynch has developed remarkably over the last several games.


I first expressed admiration for Wilson's downfield blocking after Seattle blew out the Cardinals:

"The fearless and endlessly versatile Russell Wilson did a nice job running interference for Lynch on one of those touchdown runs. He didn't throw a block, because he didn't need to do so, but I have no doubt that he would lower his shoulder if it were necessary. That kid is a gamer." ("Arizona, RIP" Seahawks Diehard 12/15/12)

I was right. Against St. Louis in the season finale, Wilson did more than run interference. He threw a couple of legitimate blocks downfield to help Lynch pick up some extra yards.

Last week in D.C., Wilson mixed it up. The rookie quarterback ran interference on one play. On another play, right after handing off to Lynch, he slipped in front of the running back to set up a pick against a closing defender. Finally, on the Beast's touchdown run, DangeRuss streaked past the running back to shove Skins cornerback Josh Wilson, unbalancing him just enough to allow Lynch to plow through three defenders en route to the end zone.

#3 is remarkably judicious about his downfield blocks. When setting up a pick or running interference will suffice, that's all he will do. If the situation requires a shove or a block, he'll do what it takes.

Until last Sunday, Wilson was equally judicious about sliding when running with the ball himself. Unfortunately, the need to lead a comeback evidently influenced him to run upright, dive headfirst and take some unnecessary hits in a quest for more yardage.

Message to Russell: I love you, man. It's OK to slide once you have the first down. No one doubts your toughness or your will to win. We need you. Please go back to sliding when it makes sense.

Incidentally, I'm pleased to see that Josh Wilson is still a starting cornerback in the NFL. I admired his work for Seattle as a kick returner and as a defensive back. While I was sad to see him go, the separation seems to have benefited both parties. Wilson wouldn't be a starter if he had stayed with Seattle. He might not even have survived training camp roster cuts. That's how good our secondary is now.


Washington's coaches and physicians should be ashamed of themselves for letting Robert Griffin to play on that damaged knee. The fact that RG3 wanted to play is no excuse. Fierce competitors often want to play through catastrophic injuries; good coaches and good doctors are supposed to shut them down so they don't hurt themselves unnecessarily or unduly damage their team's competitive prospects. For moral and competitive reasons, it is better to field a healthy backup than to push a crippled starter onto the field.