'This is what Russell does'

It's becoming increasingly clear that the way Russell Wilson plays is utterly independent of the offense he is running and the coach he is playing for.

I remain fascinated by Russell Wilson.

I suppose it’s natural given the amount of time I’ve spent on the guy during his 10 years as Seattle’s quarterback. But it’s more than just that. His playing career is utterly unlike anything I can remember seeing or even reading about.

I’ve been wrong about him. Repeatedly. The first time was back in November 2015 after a loss to the Cardinals when I wondered – in public – if he had hit his ceiling. This was after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and all Wilson did was throw 16 touchdown passes over the next four games in what remains the single best half-season stretch of his career.

I was wrong when he left Seattle, too. I thought there was a distinct possibility he was going to be great in Denver, and that Seattle might wind up looking very much like Tom O’Brien did at North Carolina State after Wilson transferred to Wisconsin and nearly won the Heisman Trophy.

And I was wrong about this year, too. I thought he was going to struggle with the structure of Sean Payton’s system, and the truth is, that Russ has been pretty good so far.

Now that statement may come as a shock to you.