The last two games showed how valuable Russell Wilson is to the Seattle Seahawks.
No offense to Geno Smith, who hasn’t thrown an interception, but Wilson runs the offense differently.
His experience gives them a chance to win every snap, and he extends plays whenever he feels the pressure coming.
The good news is that Wilson’s recovery from his injured middle finger is on track.
Russ dressed up as Pete Carroll for Halloween a few years ago.
His impression is SPOT ON. 😂🎃 (via @DangeRussWilson) pic.twitter.com/pagRs8T3aK
— NFL (@NFL) October 28, 2021
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that doctors already removed a pin in Wilson’s middle finger and that he can return from injured reserve as early as Week 10.
While the Seahawks welcome that development, that’s three more weeks until he returns to the active roster.
The team wouldn’t want to rush his return and might have him play the week after.
However, the Seahawks are already in must-win mode if they are to enter the playoffs.
The Seahawks without Russell Wilson… pic.twitter.com/RkZoiWsLom
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 26, 2021
Falling to 2-6 after Week 8 will put more distance between them and the NFC West division leaders.
Worst, the challenging part of their schedule is about to come.
The Calm Before The Storm
The Seahawks will be facing the Jacksonville Jaguars at home on the last day of October.
It’s a match that Smith and company can win, but they cannot take Trevor Lawrence lightly.
He is finding his groove and showing signs of improvement every week.
Likewise, breaking their 20-game losing streak with a win against the Miami Dolphins is a huge confidence booster.
Seattle cannot underestimate Jacksonville, especially James Robinson, who is eighth among running backs in rushing yards with 460 and tied for third in rushing touchdowns with five.
#JAXvsSEA is almost here!
Here's how to tune in on October 31. 🎃
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 27, 2021
Winning against Urban Meyer’s squad might be enough to get them out of last place in the division.
It also narrows the gap between them and the second-place Los Angeles Rams.
But after the Jaguars, Pete Carroll’s crew will take a bye week before going up against the Green Bay Packers.
The Seahawks hope that Wilson will be ready to lead them again by that time.
If not, then he might take the field in Week 11 versus the Arizona Cardinals.
The Seahawks Must Reverse Their Struggles
Yes, Smith is not turning the ball over, but his conservative approach limits their scoring opportunities.
For those who still question Wilson’s importance, looking at the Seahawks’ last two games will make you think otherwise.
Seattle is scoring 15 points per game without him and 24 points when he’s under center.
Their total yards per game also dropped to 264 in the two games that Smith started.
We're sticking together.
We're not giving up on ourselves. pic.twitter.com/y9x95wveP3
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 27, 2021
That’s a far cry from the 351 average yards they gained during the five matches that Wilson played.
Surprisingly, Jacksonville has a better yards per game average (356) than Seattle (326.1) in their matchup.
Dissecting those numbers further will reveal that the Jaguars are outgaining the Seahawks in both passing and rushing.
The Seahawks can also bid farewell to their playoff hopes if their defensive unit continues to struggle.
The throw by @GenoSmith3 🎯
The catch by @dkm14 🔥#GoHawks x #NOvsSEA pic.twitter.com/eyiwSW3KVw— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 26, 2021
They rank 27th in passing yards allowed per game (280.6) and 30th in rushing yards given (134.1).
If there’s any consolation, the Jaguars allow more points per game (28.7) than them (23.1).
However, understanding the importance of this upcoming game must motivate the Seahawks to play their best football this season.
NEXT: Pete Carroll Reveals Thoughts On Geno Smith So Far This Season