mikeak, I was thinking the same thing you wrote in the thread title. Funny how the thread devolves into lotsa side arguments rather than discussing the point. Like someone (you?) said in a different topic thread that had some good discussion of this point.
I think it is an absolute BLESSING to Russell and the TEAM that Russell has had these mobility-impairing (but not career-threatening) injuries early this season. Russell has historically used his mobility as a CRUTCH at times, and it has been a crutch because he could always fall back on his Houdini act when things got sketchy back there.
Now, Russell has NO crutch, no Houdini act to fall back on, at least for the time being. We've seen the less-mobile Wilson in 3-1/2 games now. I really have to think that in the back of his mind, before, he always knew he could escape in times of dire need. Now, he can't rely on that, and has to stay 100% committed to getting the ball out on time because there is no mobility safety net. I think it's a really subtle, but extremely important point, psychologically, in Russell's development. Now he truly knows what it feels like to NOT have a choice, and to have to rely on pocket passing and getting the ball out on time. I also believe that when (we hope) he regains his full mobility, his brain and muscles will be fully wired up ("myelination" is one term sometimes used) with the program for 100% commitment to pocket passing on time, and he will be able to access and use that program whenever he chooses or needs to.
Then he can save his Houdini act for the moments in a game that truly require them, against elite defenses that are otherwise causing the 'Hawks offense fits.
Many unwanted experiences in life force us to develop skills and knowledge we never would have gained otherwise, and turn out to be a blessing down the road. Russell's injury is forcing him to truly RELY on his pocket passing skills. He will be a better QB in the short run and long run because of it.
Beyond just Russell, there is the effect on the entire offensive line, the running backs, TE's, and other players who are involved in pass protection, blitz pickup, etc. Now everyone else KNOWS they can't rely on Russell's Houdini act, and have to truly focus on, and fully commit to, the pass protection schemes, getting the reads right, improving their technique, improving their combination pass blocking with other teammates, etc. Of course Cable and Bevell know this too, and so they are approaching pass protection for Russell with that much more urgency and focus than ever before.
