Quarterback Russell Wilson dealt with significant injuries for the first time in his career this year. In week one against the Dolphins Ndamukong Suh rolled Wilson’s ankle trying to sack him. Week three took Seattle to Santa Clara where the 49ers Eli Harold sprained Wilsons left knee, hobbling the signal caller, and in a loss to the Saints Wilson injured his right pectoral. Until week three the Quarterback had never appeared on an injury report.
After deciding to push through the injuries it was apparent that Wilson was not the same player. Still managing to be a play maker and help the Seahawks win games he was having issues with accuracy. As the season progressed Wilson has become healthier to the point where he removed the brace for the wildcard game against the Detroit Lions.Wilson had some issues with short touch throws in the game, we’re going to take a look at those plays.
Russell Wilson Is a Little Off
Early Touchdown
The first sign of an issue is the second quarter touchdown to Paul Richardson. The Seahawks go for it all on fourth and goal from the two yard line, calling a play action pass to Richardson. Wilson takes the snap, fakes to Thomas Rawls, and looks for Richardson. The veteran quarterback sets his feet but clearly uses only his upper body to throw the fade. While normally a throw of this kind doesn’t require a large amount of strength Wilson under throws the pass.
On a corner fade, the route Richardson runs, the ball needs to be placed at the back pylon. The reason for this is that if the receiver can’t get the ball neither can the defender. Wilson short throws the route and the ball ends up in front of the defender, if Tavon Wilson turns around that is an easy interception. Richardson manages to bails out his quarterback with an amazing one handed catch. The result on this doesn’t matter, the throw itself could have been a costly, needless turnover because of bad placement.
Crucial Third Down
Deep in Lions territory Seattle was looking to make it a two touchdown game. Facing a third and four Seattle opted to pass, lining up in an empty set with no one accompanying Wilson in the backfield. The Lions quickly flush Wilson from the pocket, keeping his eyes down field he steps up and through the pocket. Seeing receiver Tanner McEvoy come open Wilson tries to lob one down the center of the field for a first down. The pass however is just short of McEvoy who makes a sliding attempt to catch the ball but is unsuccessful.
It appears the Wilson is trying to adjust for the fact that he’s on the move towards his target and doesn’t want to overthrow McEvoy. The veteran quarterback severely under throws the route and kills the drive. Another example of poor ball placement on a simple throw, this one is farther down field but McEvoy was wide open for what could have been a touchdown.
Clutch Catches
On a third quarter drive to extend the lead by three there’s another prime example of this issue. Moving into Lions territory Seattle faced a first and ten. The Seahawks were moving the ball on the ground all night and decided to use play action to open up the pass. The play is designed to open up Alex Collins in the flat. Wilson takes the snap, fakes to Collins, and looks downfield towards Richardson. Once the attention of the defense is drawn downfield Wilson checks it down to Collins who has room to run.
The issues with the touchdown pass are again present here. Wilson drops back, has time to set his feet and throw but instead only uses his arm. He lobs the throw to Collins who has to reach down to his ankles to make the catch. Collins turns up field and picks up 11 yards on the throw but could have had more if he didn’t have to reach down for the ball.
Going Forward
While the issues with Wilson’s mechanics are troubling they’re probably not permanent or long term. Wilson removed his knee brace before the game and that could explain his issues with accuracy. The knee brace most likely cause Wilson to put more upper body strength on his throws because he couldn’t step into the throw as well. So as the brace came off Wilson may very well have been compensating by using less arm strength. The issue is not present on all throws, with fast balls and deep shots he has no problem stepping into his throws. The key is Wilson needs to regain the touch on his passes that he’s thrown so well for years now.
