Stacy: What the Russell Wilson HOF debate should be focused on

Following a very inevitable announcement earlier this week that Russell Wilson is retiring from the NFL, there was a very inevitable debate: whether or not Russell Wilson is a Hall of Famer.

Then there was a deeply inevitable conclusion: Russell Wilson won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks because of the Legion of Boom.

It’s not wrong. It’s just focusing on the wrong thing when it comes to Wilson.

It’s perfectly understandable why any critic or fan would focus on that part of Wilson’s career. One of the strongest arguments for a Hall of Fame induction is a championship, and though there are certainly Hall of Famers without them, it aids the case for a borderline candidate like Wilson.

Are you going to point out that Eli Manning is 11th all time in career passing yards? That’s impressive! But no, you’re not, because we tell stories with memories and, unless you’re a Giants fan, there aren’t a ton of iconic non-helmet-catch Eli Manning moments and stats that cement his case over some of the league’s best. But you will note that he has two Super Bowl wins — over Tom Brady! — and who could deny him that?

And so, as we all know, the story with Wilson is that he was an undersized, exciting, mobile quarterback who helped make up a Seahawks team that was spearheaded by one of the best modern defenses in NFL history. There was a big-name head coach, and a big personality bulldozing at running back who quickly became a real celebrity.

A younger Wilson didn’t make a ton of mistakes (he had just nine interceptions) and boosted a physical offense with over 500 rushing yards. But he wasn’t even a top-10 passer, and it’s fair to wonder (as many have over the years) whether that Seahawks team could’ve won with someone — anyone — else at QB. I’ve always felt it does a disservice to Wilson’s evasiveness and ability to throw on the run (especially at a time when fewer premier quarterbacks could showcase that), but I understand the sentiment. Your defense allowed 14 points per game. Can you get more than 14 points? I’d hope so.

But the absolute best play from Wilson — the play that inspired a now-derided ‘Let Russ Cook’ campaign and further fueled the ego of a player who felt held back — came from 2017-20.

During that time, Wilson led all quarterbacks in passing touchdowns. All quarterbacks. Everyone. More than Matthew Stafford, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. He did it while obliterating the group with rushing attempts (320) and yards (1,817). And while I loathe wins as a quarterback stat, Seattle’s win total during that four-year stretch (42) was only slightly below than his first four years in the league (46). He also didn’t miss a single game.

Remember this touchdown to Jimmy Graham against the Eagles?

Or this one in the final seconds against the Texans?

Or this perfect pass (and catch!) from Wilson to Tyler Lockett?

Or this absolutely insane scramble and pass to Doug Baldwin? (A credit to Baldwin for changing his approach once Wilson was under pressure.)

Over his career, Wilson has a better career passer rating (99.3) and fewer career interceptions than Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Tony Romo and Matt Ryan — all quarterbacks who headline Hall of Fame debates. Manning is the only other one of those quarterbacks to have a Super Bowl win.

It doesn’t mean Wilson is holistically and undoubtedly better than those quarterbacks. But it means that there was a considerable period of time — four consecutive NFL seasons — where you were eager to see what he would do in the final two minutes of a close game (this is, notably, opposed to the very painful viewing experience of his time with the Broncos, Steelers and Giants). And I think we forget it because, one, the first part of Wilson’s career is the more memorable story, and two, the latter part is so, so, so bad.

Unfortunately for Wilson, that last part matters. Yes, this was a player who had struggling offensive lines on later Seahawks teams with running back questions (remember 2017?) and a defense that never felt quite as dominant again (Seattle were never better than 10th in scoring defense or yards allowed following 2016).

The Seahawks struggled to add more young talent. While recent classes have earned them another Super Bowl win, they struck out on a few early picks during this stretch. That’s important context, because in addition to all of this, Wilson was suddenly making millions more against the salary cap (he briefly became the top-paid quarterback in 2019) and seeking more control over the offense.

A tough negotiating agent, competing leaks to the press, and what felt to many Seahawks fans like a trade request out (fans don’t forget those feelings) altered his public perception. And failures outside of Seattle only served to validate the feelings that Wilson was always better with the team – and people – he was ready to move on from.

I’m not arguing for Wilson to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I don’t think he was ever the single-best quarterback in the league. I do assume he’ll be inducted eventually. But I’m writing this for another reason: if there’s one thing I love in sports, it’s a debate. And if you’re having it right, this is a good one.

While the end to Wilson’s story is important, don’t let it overshadow or simplify what makes the conversation about his NFL career so fascinating. Wilson didn’t fail once he was away from the Legion of Boom; he became one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league for a good chunk of his time without them.

So… why didn’t it work? Why isn’t there one more Super Bowl banner decorating the walls of the Seahawks’ facility?

Seattle Seahawks news and more

• Seahawks LB Derick Hall had no interest in testing market
• Rams’ seismic move puts more pressure on new Seahawks OC
• Derick Hall deal is ‘extraordinary’ for Seattle Seahawks

Related

What stood out from Seahawks’ 1st training camp practiceWhat Seahawks coach said about Emmanwori’s status49ers coach Shanahan hurt in car crash, limited as training camp opensStacy Rost: 3 Seahawks we’re watching close in training campPatrick Mahomes cleared for Chiefs training camp after knee surgerySeattle Seahawks reunite with veteran tight end; CB waived