Top Seattle sports stories of 2017: Seahawks’ Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner jump into MVP races
Dec 26, 2017, 7:00 AM
Russell Wilson's play in 2017 has put him among the top MVP candidates in the NFL. (AP)
(AP)
The 12 hosts of 710 ESPN Seattle have voted on the top Seattle sports stories of 2017. Each day we will count down to the top story of the year with an article by a different host. Today, Dave Wyman of Danny, Dave and Moore covers the fourth biggest story, the MVP-caliber performances of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner during the 2017 season.
When it comes to MVP consideration for Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, the question “What do they want?” comes to mind.
Going back to 2012 when the championship era of Seahawks football started, there has been no Executive of the Year award for general manager John Schneider, no Coach of the Year award for Pete Carroll, and no serious consideration for MVP for any player.
Photo gallery: Wilson, Wagner making runs at MVP awards
I understand that defensively the MVP award typically goes to the player with the most sacks. But entering the final week of the season, Bobby Wagner has 130 tackles (his sixth straight year with triple-digit tackles), 11 quarterback hits, two interceptions, six passes defensed, one fumble recovery for a TD and a safety. He’s a dominant player on a dominant defense. Enough already!
It’s more frustrating when you look at Russell’s numbers. His 65 regular season wins in his first six years is an NFL record for a quarterback. He has the fourth-best QB rating since he entered the league in 2012. He’s second in win percentage among current QBs (behind only Tom Brady), has the third-best touchdown/interception ratio in NFL history, and owns 23 fourth quarter or overtime comeback wins.
I understand these are not lifetime achievement awards, but it’s frustrating to watch the Seahawks get snubbed year after year. Hopefully this season one or both players will get their due.
A closer look at the big seasons of Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner
• It’s OK that Russell Wilson doesn’t fit traditional MVP mold
• Bobby Wagner says Seahawks are used proving doubters wrong
• Wyman’s Football 101: Why Wagner can be defensive MVP
• O’Neil: Wagner adds to DPOY case with biggest play of win over 49ers
