The Seattle Seahawks had a disappointing 2021 NFL season.
They were the only NFC West team that missed the playoffs and finished with a 7-10 record.
It was the first time since 2011 that they had a losing record, and it’s only the third time they missed the postseason under head coach Pete Carroll.
Russell Wilson’s three-game absence is one of the reasons for their demise.
Vegas Bound 😎. Blessed!!! #9 #ProBowl pic.twitter.com/UMOCLcfhrg
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 31, 2022
The longtime starter had no choice but to undergo surgery on the dislocated finger he suffered against the Los Angeles Rams.
But despite the team’s failures, Wilson can add another individual accomplishment to his football resume after making it to his ninth Pro Bowl.
Right Place At The Right Time
The NFC had five quarterbacks in this year’s Pro Bowl, but Wilson is an alternate with the Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins.
Aaron Rodgers garnered the most votes to become the starter, while Tom Brady and Kyler Murray are the reserves.
However, Brady rarely plays in the Pro Bowl, and it doesn’t make sense to engage in more football after ending his illustrious 22-year career.
Aside from announcing his retirement, Brady cited a shoulder injury for his non-participation.
Proud of you Baby @DangeRussWilson! 9x Pro Bowler! You continually inspire me! #RareBreed #3#MCM #MCE pic.twitter.com/n7xcCqX4Su
— Ciara (@ciara) January 31, 2022
Rodgers opted not to make the trip as well, and he’ll have a significant decision to make regarding his future this offseason.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott got an invite to appear in the Pro Bowl but begged off to get more rest after a long rehabilitation from calf and ankle injuries.
It may not look good on paper, but their absences allowed Wilson to slot in and carry the NFC’s banner.
He is now a Pro Bowler in nine of his ten NFL seasons, missing the nod in 2016.
The nfc is Russell Wilson’s for the taking. Why wouldn’t he want to stay here in Seattle.
— #JordynBrooks’Visor😮💨🤧 (@wizardofhawks) January 30, 2022
Wilson is also on a five-year Pro Bowl streak, tying a franchise record set by Hall of Fame tackle Walter Jones.
He will also be joining teammates Bobby Wagner and Quandre Diggs to represent the NFC in Las Vegas.
But while the veteran quarterback can bask in the cheers of the fans at Allegiant Stadium, his numbers this year don’t make him worthy of the selection.
Not The Same Old Wilson
Wilson was a shell of himself when he played after recovering from surgery.
He finished with a career-low of 3,113 passing yards and threw only 25 touchdown passes.
While the one-time Super Bowl champion struggled after rushing his return from injury, he did finish the season on a high note.
The Seahawks won four of their last six games, and he threw 13 touchdowns from Week 13 onwards.
As a Seahawks fan, one thing that keeps me comfortable is knowing that Russell Wilson is as good or better than 3/4 QBs on this championship weekend. We will be back.
— Sami Jarjour (@SamiOnTap) January 30, 2022
His six interceptions also gave him the third-best touchdown-to-interception ratio during the regular season.
But comparing his statistics with the other NFC quarterbacks, he won’t make the top five if everyone’s healthy or willing to participate.
Rodgers and Brady had astronomical numbers, making them the leading candidates for season MVP.
Prescott and Murray also had solid seasons despite early playoff exits.
Matthew Stafford is out of the equation because he will play in Super Bowl LVI.
After Brady's retirement, here are the remaining top tier NFC quarterbacks:
Aaron Rodgers
Russell Wilson
Matthew Stafford
Kyler Murray
Dak PrescottEnd of list.
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) February 1, 2022
Jalen Hurts and Jimmy Garoppolo also played admirably, only to struggle in the postseason.
While making the Pro Bowl is worth celebrating and could be worth a nice bonus, Wilson should accept it as a consolation for a failed campaign.
Once the dust settles, he and the Seahawks have more work to do in keeping step with their division rivals.
That is if he stays in Seattle for the 2022 season.
NEXT: The Seahawks Should Not Be Sticking With Pete Carroll