Russell Wilson or Andrew Luck? Debate Should be Over... For Now

Man... Do we love to talk quarterbacks or what? You cannot be a respected NFL writer without posting some kind of quarterback rankings article over the summer. As Seahawks fans, I am sure we all find where Russell Wilson is ranked, and then, naturally, we complain. It is our job as fans.

It is not unusal to see Wilson behind Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. I think even the stubborn 12 would concede that those two stand above the rest of the class. Even a guy like Drew Brees, who has done it forever, or Ben Roethlisberger, who has 2 rings, you can sort of wrap your head around the reasoning.

But one of the ranking trends that are all too common on this list is the ranking of Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck ahead of Russell Wilson. We will get to the reasons why in a moment, but first, lets actually stack up the two side by side.

Look, it isn't a perfect snap shot. But when you think of the most important traits in a quarterback, you probably think of accuracy, decesion making, "clutchness", and scoring touchdowns as the primary jobs of the quarterback. Wilson is as good or better than luck in all of these categories. So why are some still hesitant to make the obvious statement: "Russell Wilson is better than Andrew Luck"?

Reason 1: Analyst don't like to be wrong: This is petty, but it is still accurate. Remember the buzz surrounding Andrew Luck in 2012? He was called the "Greatest QB Prospect Ever" by some. The John Elway comparisons were rampant. He was so good, some fans rooted for their teams to lose or "Suck for Luck". 

Meanwhile; Russell Wilson was just an undersized quarterback who was destined to a backup in the NFL. Few if any analyst had Russell Wilson as even the 3rd or 4th best quarterback in this class. Some scoffed at the idea of the Seahawks taking him in the 3rd round after giving Matt Flynn $10 million guarenteed. 

Analyst don't like to admit they are wrong until they have to. Andrew Luck still has tremendous potential and could eventually live up to his 2011-2012 hype. Until they are sure he won't, writers will continue to hold out they won't have to say, " I was wrong".

Reason 2- Prejudice...: Calm down people. I'm not talking about race, at least not in this context. No matter how much success he has, Russell Wilson will never be viewed as an elite passer. When people think about great QB's, they think of Favre, Brady, Manning, Elway, Montana and Marino. Tall and mostly prototypical. 

A true field general that finds the weakness of the opponet pre-snap and maneuvers his troops into the exact formation needed to punch a hole in the hear of the defense. As he scans the defense from the pocket, he uses a quick release and pinpoint accuracy to march his troops down the field.

Russell Wilson can do this. In fact, you and I have watched it many times. But what about NFL fans in Chicago? Or maybe New York? What is the first thing they will say about Wilson? Probably something along the lines of "the short, running QB in Seattle." 

The number of quarters backs who can make this play? One

The truth is, Wilson will never be 6'5". He won't ever look like Brady or Manning. But you know does? Andrew Luck.

Reason 3- Generic Excuse: You hear these all the time. The person you are debating can't beat you on a side by side comparison, so they try and find a place where they feel they have the high ground. Lets dissect a few we've all heard.

"Of course Wilson has had more success, look at his defense".

Sure, Russell Wilson has benefited from playing with one of the most dominate defenses of all time. But the Legion of Boom benefits from Russell Wilson too. Wilson's ability to extend plays helps extend drive. He is ultra-careful with the ball, meaning the defense isn't having to play defense for 35 minutes while being put in terrible field position.

In the Super Bowl run of 2013, all Wilson did was create 3900 yards and 27 TD's. But it was all about the defense. In 2014-2015, all he did was create 4000+ yards in each season, generating 61 total TD's and only 15 interceptions combined. But, hey... that defense was really good.

"Wilson has better weapons. He played with Marshawn Lynch."

Andrew Luck has played with Frank Gore and Reggie Wayne. He currently throws the ball to TY Hilton and Donte Moncreif, 2 of the better WR's in the game, and freak Tight End Dwayne Allen. Both teams Offensive lines have been mediocre the last 3 years. At the very least, the better weapons case is a coin toss.

"Wins are a team stat. Wilson has a better team, Luck is the better quarterback."

Every stat in the NFL is a team stat. Luck's lead in passing yards stems from his teams need to throw more. Wilson clearly has had the better team in the first 5 seasons of these men's career's. But Russell Wilson is a big reason why.

In addition, Luck has spent his entire career in the AFC South, the worst division in football spanning his entire NFL career. He won 11 games and a division title in each of his first 3 season, 5 or 6 of which came against the Titans, Texans and Jags. Meanwhile; Russell Wilson has also won 3 division titles. The two years he didn't win the NFC West came in 2012 and 2015. The 2012 San Francisco 49ers lost Super Bowl 47. The 2015 Arizona Cardinals lost in the NFC championship game.

Wilson has the better team. He also plays in the more difficult division and conference. That counts for something.

I would like to extend an olive branch to Colts fans. I haven't been a big supporter of Andrew Luck until recently. I actually like the guy, and think he is a Franchise QB. But despite my bias, the facts still ring true. Russell Wilson is better than Andrew Luck... and it isn't that close.

NFL

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Written by

CPatnode2010

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