Wilson not betraying any concerns
Quarterback says don’t worry about him or offensive line
SAN DIEGO – There was an overriding message Russell Wilson and the Seahawks wanted to share Saturday night.
It’s only August.
Wilson looked as bad throwing as you will see him in a game as he and the starting offense struggled through their 2 1/2 quarters played of a 16-15 preseason win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.
“It was not as sharp,” coach Pete Carroll said of his passing offense that finished with 56 yards while the starters were in. “We missed throws we normally make.”
“We” was specifically “he.” Wilson missed wide-open tight end Jimmy Graham in the second quarter over the middle deep in Chargers territory that ended with one of Steven Hauschka’s three field goals instead of a touchdown.
In the third quarter, Wilson threw over and past a covered Graham at the goal line. And after he scrambled on third-and-goal, Wilson threw well wide of Jermaine Kearse, who was breaking free across the back line of the end zone.
He finished 7 for 15 passing for 56 yards. He was sacked once, avoided many more, and had a meager passer rating of 56.5.
“Ultimately, we have to finish drives. That’s on me. But we’ll hit ’em,” Wilson said. “We’ll be just fine.”
So far in the preseason, Wilson is 17 for 31 passing for 146 yards and a passer rating of 67.4. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass, and lost a fumble while being sacked during one of his three times he’s been sacked in three games.
It hasn’t helped Wilson was taking snaps for the second consecutive week from new center Drew Nowak, who was a defensive tackle in college and a practice-squad guard last season. Justin Britt, last year’s rookie starter at right tackle, started his second game at left guard. Garry Gilliam, undrafted last year and a tight end for three years at Penn State, started his second game at right tackle.
And left tackle Russell Okung was out with what coach Pete Carroll said was a “sore” shoulder coming out of practice this week. Backup Alvin Bailey played for him, and got run past by Chargers defenders for much of the night.
“I think the offensive line is doing a tremendous job, honestly. We are just a hair bit off,” Wilson said. “We’ll make sure we fix it.”