Popeyejones":1nzqny0j said:
^^^^ Opting not to derail the thread, so I'll just make the following statement to bring it back on topic:
For me, expert ability in manipulating the pocket from within it is one of the hallmarks of being an elite QB, but damnit if Wilson doesn't break that general rule a little bit.
His escapability to the outside from the top of the pocket and ability to play at such a high level outside of the pocket makes him, for me, well on his way to being an elite (i.e. top 3 or 4) QB even though I think he still has work to do on manipulating the pocket from within (again though, even for those who can, practically nobody develops this skill to really good levels until they're 30+ it seems -- it has, IMO, been the biggest factor in Rapes ascension from a top 10 QB to a top 5 (or higher) QB, even though that doesn't get talked about enough).
I can see why it would seem that Wilson is deficient in this.
Although to be perfectly honest, Wilson is getting incredibly proficient at climbing the ladder or shifting to the side get clearer vision or to buy that extra beat. It's one of the aspects to his game that really blossomed in 2015. You could see it change in almost real time from game to game. And the results of that ability is repeatedly observable in virtually every game. Particularly in the last 12 games of 2015.
I do expect that it will always be a criticism for Wilson for two reasons:
1. Wilson, unlike many QBs, will not always throw the ball away at the last minute to avoid sacks. It's not that he doesn't know how to throw the ball away. Or that he doesn't do it smartly. But you don't see many 'panic dumps' of the ball when he's going to be imminently sacked. So it's going to seem like he's not as able to avoid pressure through the use of manipulating the pocket. Since the outcome of that lack of skill is generally either a lot of sacks or a low completion percentage.
Wilson has a strong understanding of what's asked of him. Seattle has a great defense and a strong team. Getting a sack and punting is not a bad outcome. Not protecting the ball and forcing plays that aren't there is. Seattle will always remain somewhat unique in that mindset. And Wilson is one of the top 2 or 3 in the league in being able to consistently concede sacks in lieu of potential turnovers.
2. His mobility. It's kind of an albatross across his neck that will never really be resolved. It's one of those things that he'll always have at his disposal as long as his legs don't suffer injury. And every time he uses his elusiveness and feet to escape pressure -- whether it's the correct decision at the time or not -- is going to be viewed from the outside as evidence of a failure to perform at QB the way conventional QBs succeed.
I would have agreed in general with this viewpoint at this time last year. In fact, I made this very point in one of our 'where are you looking for improvements' threads heading into the 2015 season. Wilson's consistent march towards mastery of his profession.
So I was looking very hard at Wilson hoping that he'd take that next leap towards a complete QB. He turned the corner pretty much from the beginning of the year. Either flashes of it, or instances where you'd see him understanding the need to do it but falling short in execution. And you could see him get better consistently. To the point of leading the league in efficiency and production from within the pocket this year. He is a more dangerous QB from in the pocket now. And figures to really build on that.
Quite honestly, I expect Wilson to surpass Rodgers as the top career rated passer by end of next year. It may even have a chance to do it this year. Wilson has the very real opportunity to be the best passer in the league and the best scrambler in the league.
Even despite Seattle not abandoning the run, I think Wilson can hit:
4500 yards
40 TDs
< 10 ints
115 season rating.
That would eclipse Steve Young's best season. I actually see Wilson as mirroring Young in style and substance. But without the 7 year delay to start his career.
In fact, comparing Wilson's first 4 seasons with the best 4 year stretch in Young's career -- they are almost indistinguishable from one another:
I expect him to be better than the end of last season. Although he may be better and not fare better statistically. But I expect he will have a transformative break out season. I don't say that lightly. But because precisely the reasons in this thread and how Wilson has achieved that kind of mastery. He has taken that next step. He is able to manipulate the pocket. He's adding manipulating defenses with his eyes. And he's adding the regular understanding of his pre snap reads in virtually instant fashion. His over half a second reduction in delivery of his passes aren't solely the result of scheme to try to minimize poor OL protection.
He simply knows where he's going and how to best move the defense to get what he wants before he even puts his mouthpiece in. He's hitting the mental acuity that the all time greats achieve. He is very quickly honing his skill in a very methodical and predictable way. You can almost carve up his seasons into quarters and see where his leaps of improvement occur.
I think this is the year he just turns it loose. This could easily be the best Seattle team ever assembled.
