Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds in stunning Week 3 loss to Saints

Stud: Russell Wilson

If not for Russell Wilson, the Seahawks are probably 0-3 right now. The Week 3 loss can’t be attributed to Seattle’s star quarterback in any way. He did everything in his power to elevate the Seahawks. Wilson completed 32 of 50 pass attempts for 406 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran the ball seven times for 51 yards and two more touchdowns.

In case there are any doubters still out there, Wilson is one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. With Brees out, he’s my third-best quarterback in the league, trailing Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. Usually, we don’t see such explosive performances from Wilson because the Seahawks like to run the ball so much. However, that doesn’t mean Wilson is incapable of putting up big-time numbers when necessary.

Dud: Jadeveon Clowney

The trade to add Clowney was hyped as a huge splash move for the Seahawks. On paper, it looked like an addition that would solidify an injured defensive line and elevate a struggling pass rush. In practice, things have gone differently.

In the first two games of the season, Clowney recorded four combined tackles and a sack. On Sunday against the Saints, the Pro Bowl pass rusher registered one measly tackle. The Seahawks failed to sack Bridgewater for the entire game, and the team’s only two quarterback hits were registered by Quinton Jefferson.

While Clowney is a solid player, his value has yet to match his production for the Seahawks. In big games, like the one this week, Seattle needs Clowney to make an impact. That didn’t happen and the defense got torched repeatedly.