Russell Wilson’s talent and more OTA observations

By Brock Huard

Ten observations from the Seahawks’ first OTA practice on Monday that only a backup, middle child, left-handed quarterback can provide. Here goes …

10. I appreciated coach Pete Carroll’s impassioned comments about the number of image hits his organization has taken with five suspensions resulting from violations of the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. I can’t help but wonder if there is a correlation between amphetamines and the pace and energy with which some of the younger players practice.

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson said he’s about five pounds heavier having focused on improving his lower-body strength during the offseason. (AP)

9. Jesse “YOLO” Williams looks like Dan Saleaumua, the former NFL defensive tackle who finished his career in Seattle. The dude is all back, and not Sir Mix-A-Lot style, I mean the breadth and width of his shoulders and lats. If Brandon Mebane’s power source were equipped with Williams’ upper body, YOLO wouldn’t just be Haloti Ngata, he would weigh 400 pounds.

8. Christine Michael has to stay on the field and avoid the ice packs on the hamstrings. This roster and offense will be so challenged to spread the ball around and distribute touches, and if Michael can’t stay healthy in practice, his looks will be minimal and opportunities scarce.

7. On a day like today with the sun shining, the grass freshly clipped and the boats anchored nearby, I’m reminded there is no facility in the NFL like the palace that Paul Allen built. It goes a long way towards creating the other rare NFL work environment – fostering a culture where guys don’t want to go home and play video games, but would rather stay at the office.

6. Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin were not only sharp in their routes and execution, but it was obvious they are fighting for touches and their reputations. This isn’t phase three for Baldwin and Tate; their offseason work and commitment with their quarterback has them in regular-season form.

5. Brady Quinn is no Kam Chancellor in terms of physique.

4. It is mind boggling how enormous the Legion of Boom is at field level, even in shorts and helmets. I remember Kelly Jennings, Fred Thomas, Marcus Trufant and the litany of diminutive corners the Seahawks ran out for years, and to see Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner close down angles and throwing lanes is a thing of beauty.

3. Find me a better offensive-line coach than Tom Cable. Try it.

2. There was a reason Indianapolis won 12 games a year for a decade. Peyton Manning set the tone, but Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison didn’t miss minicamps or OTAs. When an organization’s best and most talented players invest more than anyone else, results tend to follow.

1. Russell Wilson is really good. I chatted with Brady Quinn after practice, and let’s just say he was blown away by the kid’s arsenal and talent. On top of that, Wilson’s makeup and demeanor are unwavering, and as Quinn alluded to, now it will be up to the rest of the team to keep up with him. Not bad for a second-year player.

I think I could keep going, but that is what the radio airwaves are for. You ready for football season to start? I am.