Not all Seattle Seahawks observers are ready to follow my lead on the Russell-Wilson-for-MVP bandwagon just yet, but they’re getting there.
This week’s Seattle Sidelines poll asked readers their opinion on the Seahawks quarterback’s MVP credentials through the first five games of the season. Wilson has been fantastic in leading Seattle to a 4-1 start, ranking first in the league in passer rating and touchdown passes, while throwing no interceptions. His masterclass performance in the Seahawks’ 30-29 victory over the Los Angeles Rams last Thursday prompted me to begin trumpeting his case for NFL MVP.
Did the readers agree with me? Here’s how you voted:
POLL: Where do you think Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson currently stands in the NFL MVP race? Full context, including a look at the competition, here: https://t.co/3zfKkj6ZiY
— Nick Patterson (@NickHPatterson) October 7, 2019
Add the two polls together and the majority of voters aren’t handing Wilson the MVP just yet, but they believe he’s a worthy candidate. A total of 52 percent of the voters said Wilson was part of the lead pack, but hasn’t broken away. There was, however, a significant number who are with me, as 38 percent labeled Wilson as the current MVP frontrunner. Just 7 percent said he was part of the chasing pack, while a mere 3 percent said he’s not part of the discussion.
It’s not news to Seahawks fans that Wilson is playing at a high level. He’s essentially been lights out since 2015, when his numbers were better than near-unanimous MVP winner Cam Newton. Yet Wilson has never been seriously considered as an MVP candidate. This despite carrying the Seahawks to winning records while the team’s Legion of Boom defense was dismantled. I’m not sure if there’s still the short-quarterback bias in play, but not only has Wilson never been talked about as a legitimate contender, he’s never received a single vote. Heck, Derek Carr got six votes in the 2016 MVP voting. And Wilson can’t get one?
Well, it seems people are starting to come around. The Las Vegas oddsmakers have elevated Wilson to second-favorite in the MVP race, behind Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. And some national publications have begun showing some support for Wilson’s MVP bid.
And in case anyone wants to re-live Wilson’s immaculate performance against the Rams, here’s his highlights from the game. And don’t tell me this wasn’t MVP caliber:
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