'Let Russ Cook' a go? Seattle Seahawks QB Wilson says he wants the ball more early in game

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson on Thursday said that he’d like to have the ball in his hands more early in games to give the team the best chance of winning.

“Yeah, I definitely think so,” Wilson said on a Zoom call with reporters, when asked if he thinks Seattle should go to his arm sooner in contests. “ Early in games, definitely — rather than in the fourth quarter — to be able to make some stuff happen.”

Wilson was pressed about the ‘Let Russ Cook’ debate, a topic that has gained traction among Seahawks fans on social media in recent months. It’s based on the idea that the Seahawks’ persistent, run-first offensive philosophy undercuts Wilson’s ability to flourish in the passing game.

Carroll defended his long-standing offensive approach in an interview with 710 ESPN Seattle during the offseason, arguing that Seattle’s run-pass balance allows Wilson to be most effective. The team believes establishing a strong run game early opens up shots downfield for Wilson to show off his deep-ball precision.

Wilson seemed to agree with ‘Let Russ Cook’ sentiments, referring to the team’s success when in control of games at the break. Since 2012, including the playoffs, the Seahawks are 57-0 when leading by four or more points at halftime.

Wilson feels that having the ball in his hands early gives Seattle the best chance of being in control of games heading into the second half.

“Getting ahead is a key thing,” Wilson said. “I definitely believe in finishing strong. We’ve won a lot of games in the fourth quarter. We’ve been able to do some fun stuff at the end of games in the fourth quarter. But let’s treat every quarter like the fourth. I think that’s kind of my mentality.”

Wilson, entering his ninth season in the NFL, added that he feels like he’s the best he’s ever been. He believes he’s reached just 70% of his maximum capacity.

There’s another 30% he feels that he’s yet to tap into.

“I want to be able to make plays and give us a chance to win,” Wilson said. “That doesn’t always mean me chucking it around, but the more times I have the ball in my hands, the more things I think can happen.

"I think the defense worries about that too.”