SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Sometimes, backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson just starts laughing in the quarterback meeting room when they watch Russell Wilson in game films.
“You see some things you’ve never seen in a football game,” Jackson said. “Because nobody else can do what Russell can do.”
Wilson had another one of those games on Thursday night, passing for 236 yards and a touchdown in Seattle’s 19-3 win over NFC West rival San Francisco.
On one play, he was almost sacked twice by blitzing cornerback Dontae Johnson, and then somehow slipped out of a tackle by linebacker Chris Borland to buy time to find tight end Tony Moeaki for a 63-yard gain.
Video highlights from Seahawks’ victory over 49ers
Extraordinary. Except that Wilson does it with such regularity, the team now builds his resourcefulness into the game plan.
“It is normal for Russell to make those plays,” Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said. “It’s not normal for most people, but it’s normal for Russell to find a way. That’s part of our offense. That’s how we play. And he did a fantastic job finding all kinds of space for the receivers to catch the ball.”
Moeaki has only been with the Hawks for a couple weeks, and is still getting used to the way Wilson extends plays with his evasive tactics.
“The play is never dead with that guy,” Moeaki said. “He’s just unbelievable. I’ll go up to him once and a while and ask him: What the heck was that? It’s awesome playing with him.”
Wilson touted the efforts of Moeaki and the other receivers.
“The guys just keep playing so hard for me and working to get open,” he said.
“I thought we were pretty much lights out in terms of our energy and how tough we were,” Wilson said. “I thought we could have been a little better in some of those drives, especially once we got in the Red Zone. We’ve got to focus and keep growing and building. But the things we did tonight were pretty special.”
Wilson’s rushing and scrambling helps it become special, because it pressures the defense from sideline to sideline.
“We laugh at some of the defensive linemen on the film when you see them trying to chase Russell and getting worn out,” Jackson said. “The play breaks down and he starts running around and they’re all flailing at him.”
Jackson said an important factor in Wilson’s game is the ability to avoid taking big hits and getting hurt.
“He’s great at extending the play,” said Niners safety Eric Reid. “You think you’ve got him where you want him, and he spins outside the pocket, buying time, and then scrambles for a gain instead of getting sacked for a loss. Give him credit for making the most of a bad situation and extending his plays.”
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