Russell Wilson to start Seahawks’ 3rd preseason game
Aug 21, 2012, 10:09 AM | Updated: 1:16 pm
By Brady Henderson
Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson will start Friday’s preseason game against the Chiefs.
Coach Pete Carroll confirmed the decision on Tuesday. It had earlier been reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Danny O’Neil of The Seattle Times.
Wilson, Seattle’s third-round pick, has played well in the second halves of the Seahawks’ first two preseason games, albeit against opponents’ backups. After watching Matt Flynn start both games, Wilson will now get his chance.
Being named the starter for Friday’s game doesn’t necessarily mean Wilson is now the favorite over Flynn to win the Seahawks’ quarterback competition, but it should give the team a better opportunity to evaluate Wilson while playing with and against starters. The third preseason game is when teams typically play their starters the longest.
Wilson has completed 22 of 33 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns and an interception this preseason. He’s also run for 92 yards and a touchdown. While it’s important to note that his performances have come against backups, Carroll told “Brock and Salk” on Monday that he’s been impressed with Wilson’s ability to deliver despite uneven pass protection from Seattle’s second-team offensive line.
Flynn, meanwhile, has completed 17 of 26 passes for 102 yards and an interception.
Related: Carroll gives his assessment of quarterbacks Flynn and Wilson
