Russell Wilson, Seahawks: First impressions Week 9

Russell Wilson, Seahawks impressing Russell Wilson continues to impress me.   Russell Wilson gives Seattle mobility.     Before: My next piece will address the “after” effect on the Seahawks’ NFC standing.     Going into Seattle’s Week 9 home game against the Minnesota Vikings, the above image was NFL.com’s playoff projection as if the regular season ended prior to their Sunday game. This post is just a first impression from the game. My next post will inform what the seedings look after Seattle’s victory.     Bail, bail, bait. Brandon Browner: Not the only one jumping about Seattle’s Week 9 victory.     Watching Brandon Browner back out into coverage against Percy Harvin two plays before his interception should have tipped Christian Ponder off on Seattle’s emphasis to avoid surrendering the big play. On that particular play, in spite of Browner bailing out at the snap, Ponder put the ball up and Earl Thomas was nearly the recipient of the forced pass. Browner bailed out into coverage again, just like the previous play. Ponder didn’t go to him. However, on the interception play, Browner didn’t bail, he baited. I understand, seeing bump and run coverage on a speedy receiver usually begs the isolated coverage pass. But Ponder failed to assess the coverage further. What were the chances Seattle wasn’t spying this situation?           Right place, right time. Marcus Trufant after fumble recovery.   Washington state’s own Marcus Trufant’s fumble recovery came at a perfect time. The Seahawks had already punted away after their first possession of the game. Then, three plays into their second possession, leading by 7, the Vikings turned the ball over. The play was an inside handoff to Percy Harvin. The ball was jarred loose and Trufant, who was already closing in on Harvin to assist the tackle, dove on the loose ball. Resuming offensive play from the Minnesota 17, it took three plays for Seattle to score. Russell Wilson hit Golden Tate for a 6 yard touchdown pass in the back right corner of the end zone. Tate, who lined up between the left numbers and hash marks, came off the line with inside position and sprinted towards the back right corner, through traffic. The Seahawks lined up unbalanced right with two running backs in I-formation in the backfield and motioned Sidney Rice from left to right. By all accounts, the Seahawks were drawing attention away from Tate.   Did anyone see Eddie Vedder in the TV fan-shot on the Fox broadcast right after the 2 minute break in the 4th quarter?