CBS Sports ranks Russell Wilson as 4th best QB in the NFL

We’re just counting down the days until Seattle Seahawks training camp begins, but during that time we might as well pay attention to some listicles and determine whether we should be outraged or excited or thoroughly indifferent.

The folks at CBS Sports put together a ranking of the NFL’s top ten quarterbacks entering the 2019 season. It’s not just a single person, but rather “a group involving more than 10 writers and editors” at CBS Sports. Those individual ballots were then submitted and a points system was used to determine the final list.

In total, thirteen QBs had a top-ten vote. Cam Newton, Carson Wentz, and Baker Mayfield (!) received votes but didn’t make the cut. As for Russell Wilson, there was high praise for him and his phenomenal 2018, as he’s been placed at #4.

4. Russell Wilson, Seahawks

Wilson has firmly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in football. He’s deadly as both a runner and a passer. He can survive behind bad offensive lines. He’s remarkably durable. And he’s almost always in the playoffs. In 2018, Wilson completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 3,448 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. Over the past two seasons, he’s thrown for 7,431 yards, 69 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. In his career, he’s posted an insane 75-36-1 record as a starting quarterback. Only Brady has won more games since 2012.

Wilson is only behind Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and topping the list is reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. Interestingly enough, the write-up for Mahomes says he’s the NFL’s best QB “and it’s not particularly close.” He is outstanding to watch but I do wonder if it’s as clear-cut as stated.

All things considered, I don’t think there’s much reason to be upset that Wilson is getting recognition as a top-five quarterback. Was widespread acknowledgement of his greatness perhaps overdue? Sure, but it’s there now isn’t it? And the hope is that he continues to get better and that 2019 sees the Seahawks return to winning playoff games.

The full list is as follows:

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
4. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
6. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
7. Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers
8. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
9. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
10. DeShaun Watson, Houston Texans