Russell Wilson, D.K. Metcalf emerging as NFL’s top passing duo

Russell Wilson and D.K. Metcalf are catalysts for the Seahawks’ 5-0 start.

On Twitter, #LetRussCook has been a top-trending hashtag for weeks, if not for much longer. Through five weeks of the 2020 NFL season, it’s becoming clear that Russell Wilson will cook whenever he deems necessary — and he’s more than capable.

At the same time, It should be expected that when the Seattle Seahawks quarterback decides to throw down that, somewhere close by, an emerging wide receiver by the name of D.K. Metcalf is going to eat.

Both Wilson and Metcalf have combined to form the NFL’s most-prolific big-play tandem thus far in the season and are the primary reason Seattle currently sits undefeated atop the NFC West, despite rolling a subpar defense out onto the field each given week.

Through five wins, the Seahawks’ offense led by both Wilson and Metcalf has managed to secure a come-from-behind victory in the final minute of a game three separate times.

In an interview with ESPN earlier this week, Wilson elaborated on Metcalf’s development and production by saying, “he (Metcalf) is a freak of nature. He can make every play,” while also adding, “he’s definitely clutch. That’s for sure.”

What makes the Russell Wilson-D.K. Metcalf connection so dynamic?

For starters, Wilson has already been one of the NFL’s primary scoring threats for years. His 266 total touchdowns (passing + rushing) are tied for the second-most in the league dating back to his 2012 rookie season. Now, he’s added a game-changing receiver to the equation for the first time in his career.

Right now, Metcalf is the only receiver league-wide to eclipse 90-plus yards receiving in every game this season. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he is either tied for, or leads the league in 20-plus, and 30-plus yard catches downfield. As a result, both he and Wilson have combined to help produce the NFL’s highest-scoring offense thus far in the 2020 campaign.

“He (Metcalf) came in as a rookie last year, sat in the front of the room right next to me,” continued Wilson in the ESPN interview. “We took notes, he asked me all these different questions, he was professional before he walked into the building.”

The relationship between the pair has grown throughout the last year-and-a-half, as the two even spent time working out together last winter in Mexico. Because of their dedication to each other, as well as their craft, each player has seen an increase in their production this fall.

It’s shocking to know that Wilson has never garnered a single MVP vote throughout his entire career. It seems as if he’s been an elite quarterback in the league for a half-decade or so. His precision passing and clutch late-game heroics often leave little room for doubt that he is one of the best quarterbacks in today’s NFL next to Kansas City Chiefs gunslinger Patrick Mahomes.

Metcalf is rapidly-developing into a superstar and Wilson will certainly be reaping the benefits for the foreseeable future. Through Week 5, the Seahawks’ quarterback had thrown eight touchdown passes on throws of 20-plus yards downfield. At the time, the figure doubled more than any other passer in the league. As of now, both he and Metcalf seem poised to garner All-Pro mention and possibly even MVP award consideration.

Wilson has always been as clutch as they come, and with Metcalf in his sidecar there are no signs of him slowing down anytime soon. Since debuting in the NFL back in 2012, he leads professional football with 30 game-winning drives, as well as 34 fourth-quarter/overtime comeback wins. When all eyes are fixed on the quarterback, he often seems to rise to the occasion. Who else would the Seahawks want with their backs against the wall?