Seattle Seahawks OT Russell Okung Receiving High Praise

Nov 4, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks guard John Moffitt (74) talks with tackle Russell Okung (76) during warmups prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

Third-year Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Russell Okung has stepped up in a big way this season and is being recognized by his teammates and coaching staff for his stellar performance in 2012. After being selected by the Seahawks in the first-round of the 2010 NFL Draft, injuries have slowed Okung’s progress but he is finally making strides.

Per Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune, Okung has yet to give up a sack in nine games this season.

“Russell Okung is off to a really good year,” Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said.  “He’s really playing solid, and he’s getting better and improving and he’s more confident.  You can see that there are more plays where he is demonstrating his power and overwhelming at times by making some big-time blocks.”

Not only is the head coach noticing Okung’s play, but his fellow offensive linemen are recognizing the former first-rounders performance.

“Russell’s playing real well,” center Max Unger told the Tacoma News Tribune.  “I think he’s done a good job.  He’s had some pretty tough injuries his first couple years.  But he’s a very talented guy, I don’t think there’s any question about that.  And he’s kind of putting it all together right now.”

Okung’s performance is important because it is aiding the progression of rookie starting quarterback Russell Wilson. Without Okung’s top notch season, it is very reasonable to believe that Wilson would be struggling to find his groove in the NFL.