Clipboard Kings: Assessing The Seahawks QB Depth

PART 12 IN A SERIES:

We hear it every year at this time, the backup quarterback is one of the most important positions on the roster.  Whether it is or not is a debate for another time, but it’s under the microscope now more than ever as teams try to justify how many resources, or in some cases how few, they’ve committed to the position….and you hear reports of young QB’s who are just “killing it” in their mini-camps.

The position can either be rendered completely irrelevant: Jim Sorgi never getting his uniform dirty in meaningful situations backing up Peyton Manning from 2004 – 2010.  Or franchise altering: The Colts never addressing the position appropriately, team goes 2-14 without Manning in 2011, total housecleaning, first pick, Manning moves on, Andrew Luck now in place. 

I thought it would be interesting to take a look at every team’s backup situation.  These aren’t grades, just an overall look at the total sum of each team’s outlook if their starter were to go down.  I’ll consider the immediate situation and the longer-term picture.

I’ll go in order of my NFL Power Rankings 1.0, published May 10th.

Today, the Seattle Seahawks:

PROJECTED STARTER: Matt Flynn (5th Year)

This is the first case in this series where the starter is by no means set in stone, which is understandably going to be the case as we move farther down the Power Rankings.  Flynn starting is certainly not a lock, as Pete Carroll has been adamant about Jackson getting an equal shot.  In fact, Jackson will open training camp at the top of the depth chart and start out taking more of the first-team reps in practice.  My contention is that once the games begin in preseason, Flynn will quickly establish himself as the right choice.  His strengths are a mirror image of Jackson’s weaknesses.  His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and get the ball out on time to the right receiver will set him apart and give the Seahawks their best chance to win.

PROJECTED BACKUP: Tavaris Jackson (7th Year)

As a starter, Jackson just isn’t good enough for a team hoping to contend.  When you look at how well things came together for the Seahawk’s defense and running game last year, you can easily point to 4 or 5 instances where the quarterback just wasn’t capable of doing enough to get it done in the 4th quarter of winnable games.  Jackson has a strong arm, is tough as nails, and earned the respect of his teammates last year for playing through the early season struggles of the young offensive line.  When that line came together, however, it only amplified Jackson’s shortcomings.

That being said, as a backup he is extremely valuable. Great team-first attitude, won’t mope, and can make some plays for you if you need to call on him.  You just don’t want to have to rely on him over the long haul.

Verdict: Top Ten Backup

PROJECTED 3RD QB: Russell Wilson (Rookie)

I could go on and on about how much I like Wilson, but if you want to read my full take on him go here……..

https://nflmocks.com/2012/05/01/the-case-for-russell-wilson/

For the purposes of this analysis, the bottom line is I view Wilson as this team’s future starter.  When that future arrives will be determined by how quickly he learns the pro game, and how well Flynn plays.  Forget about height, once Wilson is ready I believe his potential ceiling is much higher than Flynn’s…and eventually the job will be his.  For now, he’ll watch from the sidelines.  However, don’t count out the possibility that Jackson could be moved off the roster if Wilson has a good enough camp.  Carroll and G.M. John Schneider have been effusive in their love for this guy.  If he proves capable of being the backup as a rookie, they won’t hesitate to make it so.

Verdict: One of the most promising developmental QB’s in the league

OTHER CONTENDERS: Josh Portis (2nd Year)

Portis was an undrafted rookie after bouncing around to three different colleges, but he impressed in training camp and preseason action last year.  He oozes with physical potential, but now that Wilson is on board he’s a long-shot to make the roster.  If Jackson is traded or released, Portis would make the roster as the third guy.  If not, there’s a good chance he would be snapped up by another club before the Hawks could try and stash him on their practice squad.  Don’t sleep on him though.  If he plays lights out in camp when given the chance, it could only make the decision to move Jackson that much easier.

Summary:  If you’re trying to contend in the NFL, the easiest way is to find yourself an elite QB.  Obviously, that’s easier said than done.  Since Pete Carroll arrived in Seattle the Seahawks haven’t had many things fall their way when it comes to trying to draft one.  They haven’t picked high enough to get any of the top-rated guys and they simply refused to force the issue and reach for someone they didn’t believe in.  So this is Plan B; Flynn should be an upgrade over Jackson as a starter, and may even be good enough to allow this team to contend for their division behind an efficient passing game to go along with their bruising running attack and ascending, young, Top-10 defense. Jackson as a backup is a solid option while Wilson develops.  And he better be as good as I think he is, because Carroll and Schneider have hitched their wagon to him.  His development and success, or perhaps his lack therof, will ultimately go a long way towards determing the long-term job security of the current Seahawks braintrust.

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