When the news leaked out that Russell Wilson would start the Seahawks' third preseason game, it created a bit of a controversy among media and fans. The third preseason game is traditionally a 'dress rehearsal' for the regular season so it's expected, by most, that each team will start to install their gameplans, ramp up strategy, and play their starters well past the half. Well, Pete Carroll is bucking that convention by switching up the starting quarterback to Wilson this week, after Matt Flynn started both of the Hawks' first two outings. What does it mean? That's a great, great question.
Pete Carroll says that the coaching staff still needs more information before they're able to fully decide on 'their starter'. Russell Wilson has played well enough against backups in the first two games that they'd like to see what he can do with a first-team offensive line and what's available in first-team offensive weapons (Sidney Rice, Zach Miller, and Doug Baldwin have been nursing injuries).
There are wildly varying opinions on this, and Pete makes it abundantly clear that he just, frankly, doesn't care what the media or fans believe is the best course. If you'd like to hear Carroll explain this thing in detail - I've included a link to his press conference following today's practice, after the jump..
Preseason Week 3 - Carroll Press Conference
Pete Carroll talks with the media as he announces that Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback for the Seahawks in game 3 of the preseason.
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