Seahawks’ rookie quarterback Russell Wilson has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after leading a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in overtime in last Sunday’s upset victory against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Wilson becomes the first Seahawk selected for the award since Shaun Alexander in Week 9 of the 2005 season.
Wilson completed 23 of 37 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears. His 14-yard touchdown pass to Golden Tate gave the Seahawks a lead with 24 seconds to play, and his 13-yard scoring pass to Sidney Rice won the game with 7:33 remaining in overtime. Wilson also ran for a season-high 71 yards, the most in a game by a quarterback in franchise history.
“He is amazing,” fullback Michael Robinson said after Sunday’s game. “He keeps believing. He believes in himself. He believes in this team. He believes in his preparation. And he prepares like no other. The kid gives us a chance every game.”
Wilson finished the game with a passer rating of 104.9, marking the fourth consecutive week that he has exceeded the 100.0 mark. Wilson now has a 95.5 passer rating this season. Wilson’s two touchdown passes against Chicago increased his season total to 19, seven shy of the NFL rookie record of 26 by Peyton Manning in 1998.
The Seahawks (7-5), currently in second place in the NFC West, will play the Arizona Cardinals Sunday at 1:25 p.m. at CenturyLink Field. The Cardinals, who have lost eight consecutive games, defeated Seattle in the season opener 20-16.