Russell Wilson is Somehow Being Pressured the Same Exact Amount Despite Offensive Overhaul
Russell Wilson has produced at an MVP level for years now, but for almost his entire pro career, he has played behind offensive lines have been sub-par and plainly susceptible to the rush.
Despite a massive overhaul of personnel, both on the line and coaching the line, Wilson is still being pressured with the same frequency that he has been in the past.
In 2017 Russell Wilson was the most pressured QB in the NFL, seeing pressure on 41.4% of his dropbacks.
— John P. Gilbert (@JohnPGilbertNFL) November 25, 2019
So, the team fired the o-line coach, overhauled the scheme and signed free agents to start so that Russell Wilson could be pressured on only 41.4% of his 2019 dropbacks.
Exactly the same as in 2017, actually.
That 41.4% pressure rate is third-highest in the NFL behind only Daniel Jones of the Giants and Sam Darnold of the Jets. The problem is tricky to suss out; perhaps the Seahawks just replaced one set of problems with another. In the big picture, however, the pressure isn't affecting Wilson detrimentally, as he continues to produce at an elite level and lead Seattle into NFC contention.
In the NFL’s 100th season, only one QB has led his team to a winning season in each of his first eight — #Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. We take it for granted... but that’s amazing. Seattle advanced to 9-2 with today’s W over the #Eagles.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 25, 2019
Perhaps Wilson is just so good at extending plays with his feet that he isn't ever going to be fazed by the rush. Maybe the lack of All-Pro skill players around him is motivation in itself. But in any event, Wilson is still winning despite the o-line's struggle.
The Seahawks are 9-2, and are somehow keeping up with the 49ers to fight for a division title. Running the ball and relying on a suddenly revitalized defense have helped to contributed to this winning run, but the engine of the Seahawks' success is, as always, the QB.