Russell Wilson on third down success

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks on during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks star QB Russell Wilson was simply masterful in a Thursday night victory over the Arizona Cardinals, as he threw three TDs with no picks in the 34-22 victory. It was undoubtedly Wilson’s best performance of the year, and he was very efficient as a passer despite facing plentiful pressure from Calais Campbell, John Abraham, and the rest of the Cardinals defense. Wilson has been under duress plenty of times this season, and injuries to OLs like Russell Okung have certainly hurt as well. But Wilson has prevailed, and he did an impeccable job of moving the chains and avoiding the pass rush on Thursday.

A big key to the Seahawks victory was their ability to convert on third downs, especially on passing plays. The Seahawks were 7-12 on third downs, and it’s never easy to convert on third down passing plays when your offensive line is giving up pressure. Again, it wasn’t too much pressure for Wilson, who was 7-8 on third downs and had a 122.1 QB Rating overall.

He spoke about the Seahawks success in third down situations, via the Tacoma News-Tribune’s Todd Dybas, “I thought we did a great job on third down (Thursday). That’s how we kept the drives alive. That’s how we separated ourselves, and that’s what we need.

“We did a great job in the red zone, too, but that (third-and-3) was just one of those plays where they made a good call and I got away from a defensive player and Zach Miller just made a huge play. We just gave him a chance.”

Zach Miller was probably the Seahawks most important pass-catcher on third downs, as he hauled in all three targets.