oldhawkfan
Well-known member
As with many old axioms, I believe that the definition of elite may need to be reevaluated when it comes to Russell
Wilson. One definition for axiom is as follows:
A self-evident principle or one that is accepted as true without proof as the basis for argument; a postulate.
When I looked at the various definitions of elite, I found this:
The best or most skilled members of a group.
Using this criteria to determine eliteness, I would argue that RW is the most elite of them all. The predetermined elite ones, manning, Rodgers, Brady, etc all possess elite skills that are widely recognized as the skills to be historically good. Wilson has essentially taken that predetermined and antiquated notion of eliteness and redefined it. If we look at the definition of elite that I have provided as a basis for his determination as elite, then I would argue that he is elite in his own right. No other QB has been this successful with the skill set that he possesses.
The farthest back one goes to find a QB with his skills would be Fran Tarkenton. Similar in scrambling abilities and size. More recent comparisons would be kaepernick and Newton. None of these QBs have had his level of success.
When eliteness is pigeonholed into one type of skill set, then it really diminishes the abilities of those who excell at their position with a different set. No other QB in the history of the league has had the early level of success as Russell Wilson.
Is he elite as a 6'5" drop back passer? No. Is he elite as a stay in the pocket downfield passer? No. Is he elite as a QB who challenges on every play what a defense can do? Yes. Is he elite at avoiding the pass rush? Yes. Is he elite as a leader of men? Undeniably yes.
Wilson. One definition for axiom is as follows:
A self-evident principle or one that is accepted as true without proof as the basis for argument; a postulate.
When I looked at the various definitions of elite, I found this:
The best or most skilled members of a group.
Using this criteria to determine eliteness, I would argue that RW is the most elite of them all. The predetermined elite ones, manning, Rodgers, Brady, etc all possess elite skills that are widely recognized as the skills to be historically good. Wilson has essentially taken that predetermined and antiquated notion of eliteness and redefined it. If we look at the definition of elite that I have provided as a basis for his determination as elite, then I would argue that he is elite in his own right. No other QB has been this successful with the skill set that he possesses.
The farthest back one goes to find a QB with his skills would be Fran Tarkenton. Similar in scrambling abilities and size. More recent comparisons would be kaepernick and Newton. None of these QBs have had his level of success.
When eliteness is pigeonholed into one type of skill set, then it really diminishes the abilities of those who excell at their position with a different set. No other QB in the history of the league has had the early level of success as Russell Wilson.
Is he elite as a 6'5" drop back passer? No. Is he elite as a stay in the pocket downfield passer? No. Is he elite as a QB who challenges on every play what a defense can do? Yes. Is he elite at avoiding the pass rush? Yes. Is he elite as a leader of men? Undeniably yes.
