New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick always showers his upcoming opponent with praise. But Belichick had a unique compliment for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who the Patriots are preparing for in Week 2. Wilson is good a “everything,” according to Belichick.
But the coach’s praise didn’t stop there.
“This guy is a tremendous player,” Belichick said during a press conference on Thursday. “Honestly, I think he’s in a way, maybe underrated by the media or the fans. I don’t know. But I don’t really see anybody better than this player.”
Hot take alert.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is widely considered the NFL’s most dangerous quarterback. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is coming off an MVP season, and is one of the toughest players to defend in the NFL. Wilson, meanwhile, is as good as quarterbacks get — even if he’s not the hot new name (like Mahomes and Jackson).
“He can do everything,” Belichick said. “He’s got obviously great leadership, playmaking skills. He plays very well in the most critical situations in the game. His decision making. Running, passing. His passing numbers are extraordinary.
“You can put him up against anybody since he’s been in the league, literally anybody, in any category. His winning percentage is impressive. He’s there for every game. Never missed a game. He’s got a great ability to do the right thing at the right time. He has tremendous vision and sees the field extremely well. I don’t think there’s a better deep ball passer in the league in terms of decision making and accuracy. He attacks literally every inch of the field you have to defend with him. Deep balls. Sidelines. The scrambles. His ability to get the ball to his playmakers in space.”
Wilson, who finished a Week 1 win over the Falcons throwing 31 of 34 for 322 yards, four touchdowns, played the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX when New England came out victorious. But he’s got a Super Bowl win to his name and seven Pro Bowl nods. Strangely, Wilson has never won an MVP — but he’s been deserving, as Belichick has suggested.
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