Monday Night Football: Packers vs. Seahawks - All Eyes on Rookie Russell Wilson
All eyes will be on the single Monday night football game as the Seattle Seahawks duel it out with the Green Bay Packers, but will rookie Russell Wilson live up to his potential?
The Seahawks have a reputation of winning and coach Pete Carroll doesn't plan on having it any other way. But achieving the skills of other star quarterbacks such as Tony Romo or Aaron Rogers will be something of an uphill battle, although not one that is unfamiliar to Wilson.
The rookie quarterback, formerly a member of the Packers himself, took less than four months to unseat presumed starting veteran quarterback Matt Flynn and take his place. But after two season-opening games, Wilson hasn't managed anything beyond a 1-1 record going into the third week. His coach appears unfazed.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"I think it's just a matter of time that he really makes things happen on the move, because we know that he can and he will," Carroll told ESPN. "I'm hoping that will show up a little bit more."
Others have also thrown their support behind Carroll's team, and are willing to bet on a Seahawk victory on Monday night. One of the team's strong points is their undervalued but effective defensive line, but hopes are also high that Wilson will perform if pressured by the Packers' defense- they're led by NFC defensive player of the year Clay Matthews, who already has six sacks this season.
"We have wishes and expectations," Carroll said. "But right now, I just want to see him play really smart."
The team has yet to face an MVP quarterback like Rodgers, and last season, the prospect of holding him off may have seemed impossible. But this season, Rodger's production on longer passes has lagged, providing a window of opportunity for Wilson to steal the spotlight.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST.
