Russell definitely has his own Pete Carroll field position, ball control style of play which leaves a ton on the plate but reduces turnovers. It is pretty easy to watch tape on any of his games and see his hesitation to throw to (NFL) wide open receivers. I would like to think that a good bit of that is/ has been Carroll keeping tight reins on him during his early career. Given how successful he has been at the end of games when he has to sling it, I think Wilson is fully capable of playing a traditional role, he just isn't asked to do that often.
With the additions this year, I expect to see things loosen up a little bit and Wilson sling it a little more.
It is still hard to judge just how good Wilson really is. He has great numbers that are buoyed in some ways and hindered in others by the system he plays in and the supporting cast he works with. Lynch and the D allow him to shine in certain areas by creating opportunity and covering when there are mistakes. At the same time they pull recognition away from the great things that he actually does.
The non-traditional parts of his game are elite, but we still don't know for sure that he can utilize an elite receiving threat in an elite manner. My question regarding his future is, what happens mid-career when the wheels start to slow down, the hits take their toll, and Wilson has to play a more traditional role? No one has made a long career playing Wilson's style of football.
If I were the Hawks, I would make a low, but reasonable offer this offseason and stick to it. Don't budge. Know that Wilson won't take it, but don't budge. Before opening the vault door, I want to see what he will be able to do with an elite receiving threat. If he is able to take advantage of Graham's presence and get elite level production out of him, only then would I open the vault door.
To me, this is make or break year for Wilson and the Hawks. Lynch will likely be gone after this year, next year at the latest. In his absence, can Wilson carry the offense? That is the 22 million dollar question that needs to be answered this year. Wilson is certainly better than 90% of the other options, but in Carroll's system is he worth what he will easily get on the open market?