The Seattle Seahawks have had twenty-two starting quarterbacks since the start of the franchise in 1976. Some of their most common names to step behind center include Jim Zorn (1976-1982), Dave Krieg (1982-1991), and Warren Moon (1997-1998). There are two other names that come into mix. Quarterbacks Russell Wilson, who is currently in the midst of his fifth NFL season, and Matt Hasselbeck, who recently retired after 17 NFL seasons. Hasselbeck currently leads the Seahawks passing leader record, but it could be just a few short seasons until Wilson steals the top spot. This article delves deep into the analysis of comparing Russell Wilson and Matt Hasselbeck as the Seahawks top quarterbacks.
Comparing Russell Wilson and Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck Era (2001-2010)
Matt Hasselbeck was drafted in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. After spending his first two seasons behind Hall of Fame quarterback, Brett Favre, Hasselbeck was traded to the Seattle Seahawks prior to the ’01 season. In his ten year career with the Seahawks, Hasselbeck threw for over 29,000 yards, 196 touchdowns, and 128 interceptions with a completion percentage of 59.2. 2005 proved to be his most successful year with the franchise, leading the NFC with a passer rating of 98.2 while also leading the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. But they would go on to lose this historic moment 21-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers after a nail-biting game. Hasselbeck announced his retirement from the NFL in March, 2016 after spending 17 seasons with four different teams.
This would be the last Seahawks Super Bowl appearance for another eight years. The next would come to be a completely different era.
Russell Wilson Era (2012-present)
Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson was deemed too small with a height of 5’10” and weighing 203 lbs heading into the NFL draft. He was drafted with the 75th overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2012 NFL Draft. Wilson earned his right to be the Seahawks starting quarterback in training camp prior to the start of his rookie season after competing for the job against Matt Flynn. That same year, they reached the playoffs but lost to the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional round. Wilson completed his freshman campaign with 3,118 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 100. His sophomore season was one for the record books. He led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history, 48-3 over the Denver Broncos. Every since, he has been one of the top quarterbacks in the National Football League because of his competitive mentality. The following season they would appear in the Super Bowl once again, taking a loss 28-24 to the New England Patriots.
Conclusion
Hasselbeck had 12,321 yards, 70 touchdowns and 48 interceptions in his first four seasons with the Seahawks. Wilson had 13,974 yards, 106 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions in his. Along with that, Hasselbeck had only one Super Bowl appearance, a loss, while Wilson had two, one win and one loss. It should be quite clear to which man could win a one-on-one battle. While Hasselbeck currently holds the Seahawks all-time franchise record for passing leader, Wilson is well on track for breaking that.
